flite

intransitive verb

ˈflīt
-ed/-ing/-s
1
now dialectal
b
: to engage in sharp debate
2
obsolete : to make or utter complaint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fliten, from Old English flītan to contend, strive, wrangle; akin to Old English, Old Frisian & Old Saxon flīt strife, dispute, contention, Old High German flīz strife, zeal, flīzan to contend, strive

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near flite

Cite this Entry

“Flite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flite. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!