flame (flam)

[Also dial. flam, flamb; IMG:content-1429.png:[blocks in formation] stance under examination of oxygen; the oxidizing flame is that part (OF in figure) in which the oxygen is in exce , and which exerts the opposite or oxidizing effect. The distinction is important in blowpipe analysis. There ben 7 places that brennen and that casten out dyverse flawmes and dyverse colour. Mandeville , Travels, p. 55. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame Ex. iii. 2. of fire out of the midst of a bush. Jove, Pro me the us' theft allow: The flames he once stole from thee, grant him now. Cowley . 2. pl. In her., a conventional representation of fire, seldom borne as an independent bearing, but accompanying the phenix, the salamander, the fire-ball, and the like. When of any other tincture than gules, this must be mentioned in the blazon. Figuratively-3. Brilliant light; scintillating luster; flame-like IMG:content-1430.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-1431.png:[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small] While the West was thus rising to confront the king, the North was all in a flame behind him. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., ix. flame-bearer (flām'barer), n. 1. One who bears flame or light.-2. A book-name of hum- ming-birds of the genus Selasphorus . flame-bed (flam'bed), n. A flue-space under a boiler, usually low and wide. flame-bridge (flam'brij), n . steam-boiler or heater which rises to within a short distance of its lower surface, and thus compels the flame or heated gases to pa along in contact with that surface. flaming (fla'ming), p . a . 1. Of a bright or gaudy color, as bright red or bright orange. Behold it like an ample curtain spread, Now streak'd and glowing with the morning red; Anon at noon in flaming yellow bright, flame-cell (flam's el), n. A formation of the terminations of the excretory system of some flamingly (fla'ming-li), adv . In a flaming man- trematoid worms. flame-chamber (flāmʼchām"ber), n . In a fur- nace, the space immediately behind the bridge, in which the combustion of the inflammable gases that pa over the bridge is or ought to be completed. Rankine , Steam Engine, § 304. See flame- bridge . flame-color (flam'kul"or), n. A bright reddish- orange color, like that of clear flame from wood. Down from the casement over Arthur, smote Flame - colour , vert, and azure, in three rays. Tennyson, Coming of Arthur. Flame and light are generic words, while the others are specific. A flash is a flame or emitted light of very short continuance: as, the flash of gunpowder; the flash from a revolving light. A blaze is a quick, hot, bright, or com- paratively large flame . A glare is a broad and especially a painfully bright light : as, the glare of a conflagration; and hence a fierce look: as, the glare in the eyes of a wild flame-colored (flām'kulord), a . Of the color beast. A flare is a sudden or fitful glare . Flame especial of flames. flame (flam), v.; pret. and pp. flamed , ppr. flaming. [Also dial. flam , flamm , flamb ; flamben , fla flaumben, flawmen, rarely flamen , flame, shine, glitter, flamber , flamer , F. flamber = It. fiammare = D. vlammen = MHG: vlammen, G. flammen Sw. flamm a flam me , flamm are , flame, blaze, burn, tr. inflame, kindle, incite, flamm a , a flame. Cf. inflame.] I. in trans. 1. To emit a flame; burst into flame; blaze. IMG:content-1432.jpg:[blocks in formation] flame-enginet (flam'en"jin), n. A gas-engine. flame-eyed (flam'id), a. Having eyes like a flame; with bright-shining eyes; angry-eyed. Where flame - ey'd Fury means to smite, can save. Quarles, Emblems. flame-flower (flam'flou" "ér), n. A name of species of Kniphofia ( Tritoma ), bulbous plants from the Cape of Good Hope. Also called red- hot - poker . 2. To shine like flame; glow with the brilliancy of flame; flash. You do but flatter; there is anger yet Flames in your eyes. Beau. and Fl . , Thierry and Theodoret, iii. 2. The crown And both the wings are made of gold, and flame At sunrise till the people in far fields Behold it. IMG:content-1433.png:[blocks in formation] flamen (fla'men), n. [L. flamen (flam in-), per- haps orig. * flagmen (he who burns the sacrifices?) (cf. flamm a , orig. * flagma , flame), flag in flag rare , burn: see flame , n.] In Rom . antiq ., a priest devoted to the service of one particular deity. Originally there were three priests so called: the flamen Dialis , consecrated to Jupiter; the flamen Martia- lis , sacred to Mars; and the flamen Quirinalis , who super- intended the rites of Quirinus or Romulus. The number was gradually increased to fifteen, but the original three William Morris, Earthly Paradise, III. 67. retained priority in point of rank, being styled majores , 3. To break out in violence of pa ion. Much was he moved at that ruefull sight; And flam'd with zeale of vengeance inwardly. IMG:content-1434.jpg:[graphic] IMG:content-1435.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-1436.png:[blocks in formation] flame-of-the-woods (flam'ov-the-wudz'), n. The Ixora coccinea , a rubiaceous shrub of India, frequently cultivated in tropical gardens for its large scarlet flowers. flame-stop (flam's top), n. Same as fire - bridge . flame-tree (flam'trē), n. 1. The Nuytsia flor i- Shirley , Grateful Servant, v. 2. bund a of western Australia, a lor a nth a ceo us Flambe doun the doleful light of thyn influence, Remembring thy seruants for thy magnificence. tree with numerous brilliant orange-colored flowers. Also called fire - tree . -2. The Stercu- lia acer i folia of New South Wales. flamfewst, n. pl . Kickshaws; trifles. Davies . Voyd ye fro these flamfews , quoa the God. Stan i hurst , Conceites, p. 138. flamingo-plant (fla-ming gō-plant), n. The Anthurium Scherzerianum, a greenhouse plant having a bright-scarlet spathe and spadix, whence the name. Flam in i an (fla-mini-an), a. Pertaining to Caius Flam in i us (died 217 в. с.), a Roman cen- sor.- Flam in i an road (Latin Via Flaminia ), an ancient Roman road constructed from Rome to Ariminum in the censorship of Caius Flam in i us, 220 B. C. flaminical (fla-min'i-kal), a. [L. flamen (fla- min- ), flamen, + -ic- al : see flamineous .] Per- taining to a Roman flamen or to his office and duties. IMG:content-1437.jpg:[blocks in formation] side, flank: see flank1 .] In armor , housing for flange-wheel (flanj'hwel), n. A car or car- the flanks of a war-horse. Also flauncher. riage-wheel having a guide-flange on one or Compare flancard . flanconade, flanconnade (flang-ko-nad'), n. [F., flanc , flank, side.] In fencing , the ninth and last thrust, usually aimed at the side. Ro- lan do (ed. Forsyth). flandant, n. A kind of pinner attached to the cap or bonnet worn by women toward the close of the seventeenth century. Will it not be convenient to attack your flandan first, says the maid? More anger yet? still military terms? Dunton, Ladies' Dict. Flanderert, n. [ Flander -s + -er1.] A native See Fleming . Yonder cloud behold, Whose sarcenet skirts are edged with flamy gold. Pope , Dunciad, iii. 254. How gloriously about the sinking sun The flamy clouds are gathered! IMG:content-1438.png:[blocks in formation] These German colonists are, in a yet existing document, referred to as Flanderers . Contemporary Rev. , LI. 328. Flanders brick. See brick2 . Flandrisht, a. [ME. Elaundrisch ; Flander - s +-ish1.] Flemish. Uppon his heed a Flaundrisch bever hat. Chaucer, Gen. Prol. to C. T., 1. 272. flânerie (flå-ne-re'), n. [F., fldner , lounge, go ip: see flaneur .] Lounging; the idle, saun- tering life of a flâneur. It is by the aimle flânerie which leaves you free to fol- low capriciously every hint of entertainment, that you get to know Rome. H. James, Jr., Trans. Sketches, p. 126. flâneur (fla-ner'), n. [F., a lounger, loiterer, fláner , lounge, loiter, stroll about, dial. go ip; cf. Icel. flan a , rush heedle ly: see flan1 .] An idle, go iping saunterer; one who habitually strolls about idly. flang1 (flang). A Scotch and obsolete English preterit of fling. net for covering the openings of rabbit-burrows flang2 (flang), n. [Origin obscure.] In min- when the rabbits are hunted with ferrets. tioned in the blazon he dat often map pens that instead of a single tincture the surface of the flanch is covered with other than the bear with some person bearings identified flanches are charged with the ancestral arms of the bearer, and their position on these limited parts of the field is an early form of denoting cadency, or perhaps illegitimacy. flanqued. flange (flanj), n . [A later form of flanch , which is an a ibilated form of flank1: see flanch, flank1.] 1. A projecting edge, rim, or rib on any object, as the rims by which cast-iron pipes are connected together, or the marginal projections on the tires of railroad-car wheels to keep them on the rails.- 2. A strengthening rib: as, the flange of a fish-bellied rail or girder.-3. A plate placed over the end of a pipe or cylinder to close it partly or wholly.-Backing-up flange, a flange or collar by which a body is held firmly to its seat or bearing.- Blank flange, a plate used to close the end of a flanged pipe. IMG:content-1439.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-1440.jpg:[merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small] And nuzzling in his flank , the loving swine Sheath'd, unaware, the tusk in his soft groin. 2. In entom ., the pleura or side of an insect's thorax.-3. Milit ., one of the sides of an army, or of any of its divisions, as a brigade, reg i- ment, or battalion: as, to attack the enemy on the right flank . When to right and left the front Divided, and to either flank retired. IMG:content-1441.png:[blocks in formation] flange on. flange-gage (flanj'gāj), n. In rail ., a gage for determining the correctne of the distance between the inside and the outside of flanges. Also called distance-gage. Car-Builder's Dict. flange-joint (flanj'joint), n. A joint in pipes, etc., made by two flanges bolted together. flange-lip (flanj'lip), n. In rail . , a dovetailed projection on the wheel-center entering into a corresponding groove in the tire to hold on the tuningtrols of attacking hi mar a the and Flank pa flange in case of accident, but otherwise sus- taining no strain. Car - Builder's Dict . flange-pipe (flanj'pip), n. Pipe of which the separate separate lengths or sections are provided with flanges, so that the ends can be butted and held together by bolts. flange-rail (flanj'ral), n. A railroad-rail fur- nished with a flange on one side to prevent the wheels of locomotives from running off the line. IMG:content-1442.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-1443.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-1444.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-1445.png:[blocks in formation] The city is compa ed with a thick wall flankered and Sir T. Herbert , Travels in Africa, p. 40. I have. flankered my house, and resolve to main Governor Winslow , New England's Memorial, [App., p. 466. And the grim, flankered block-house, bound With bristling palisades around. Whittier , Truce of Piscataqua. 2. To attack sidewise or by the flank. II. in trans. To come on sidewise. Where sharp winds do rather flanker than blow fully opposite upon our plantations, they thrive best. Evelyn, Sylva, iii. § 8. flanker2 (flang'ker), n. [E. dial.; cf. flank2.] A spark of fire. [Prov. Eng.] flanker3+ (flang'ker), v. i. [Prob. a nasalized form of flacker , influenced by flank2 , which is ult. related.] To sparkle; flicker. For who can hide the flanckring flame That still itselfe betrayes? By flanckeryng flame of firie love To cinders men are worne. Kendall , Flowers of Epigrams (1577). flannel (flan'el), n. and a. [Sc. and E. obs. and dial. flannen ; = D. flanel = G. flanell = Dan. flanel, flonel = Sw. flanell , flanelle = Sp. franela = Pg. flanella , also far i- nella = It. flanella , frenella , flannel. Origin wool, q. v.] I. n. 1. A warm loosely woven woolen stuff used especially for undergarments, bed-covering, etc., but also to some extent for outer garments, in styles adapted for that pur- pose. Some flannels have both sides alike; others have a long nap on one side and none on the other.-21. A warming drink; hot gin and beer seasoned with nutmeg, sugar, etc. [Old cant.]-3t. A person of homely or un- couth dre , exterior, or manners. Adam's flannel. See Adam . - Canton flannel [ Canton , accom. European form of Chinese Kwangtung , a city China), a strong cotton cloth with a long soft nap, usually on one side, more rarely on both, used for undergarments, etc. When used for wearing-apparel it is commonly un- dyed. Also called cotton flannel. - Elastic flannel, a kind of Jersey cloth woven in the stocking-loom, and hav- ing a soft pile on one face. - Gauze flannel, flannel of a loose and porous texture.- Natural flannel, a felted layer of filamentous alge with various other organisms which occur in wet meadows, upon the drying margins of ponds, etc. It has the appearance of coarse, spongy green cloth, becoming yellowish or grayish. - Yard of flannel. Same as egg - flip . Zephyr flannel, a woolen stuff with a slight admixture of silk, fine and very soft. II. a . Made of flannel; consisting of flannel: as, flannel clothing. flanne flannel-cake (flan'el-kāk), n. A kind of thin griddle-cake made with either wheat-flour or corn-meal, and raised with yeast. [U. S.] flanneled, flannelled (flan'eld), a . [ flar +-ed2.] Covered with or wrapped wrapped in flannel. flannel-lower (flan'el-flou"ėr), n. 1. The mul- len, Verbascum Thapsus .-2. The Macros i pho- nia long i flora, long i flora , an apocynaceous vine of Brazil, A cartilaginous flap upon the opening of the larynx. Sir T. Browne . Dickens . 5. A heavy valve used to prevent the entrance of the tide into a sewer.-6. In surg ., a portion of skin or flesh separated from the underlying part, but remaining attached at the base. Flaps are made for various purposes in surgical operations, as for covering and growing over the end of an amputated limb, for forming a new nose (rhinoplasty), etc. 7. pl . A disease in the lips of horses, in which they become blistered and swell on both sides. - 8. pl . A discomycetous fungus, Peziza coch- leat a.-9. pl . A broadly expanded hymeno- mycetous fungus, probably Agaric us arvensis. [Yorkshire, Eng.] flap (flap), v.; pret. and pp. flapped , ppr. flap- ping . [ME. flappen , flap, clap, slap, strike, = D. flappen (> G. flappen ), intr., flap (cf. F. frapper , strike: see frap ); prob. ult. imitative; cf. clap1, slap , etc.; cf. also flack , flabby .] I. in trans . 1. To strike a blow with anything broad and flexible, as the hand; clap; make a noise like clapping. The Dira, or flying pest, which flapping on the shield of Turnus, and fluttering about his head, disheartened him in the duel. Dryden, Ded. of Æneid. When windows flap and chimney roars, And all is dismal out of doors. Words worth, The Wagoner. 2. To move in a waving or swaying manner, as wings, or as something broad or loose. My canvas torn, it flaps from side to side: My cable's crack'd, my anchor's slightly ty'd. IMG:content-1446.png:[blocks in formation] wearing-apparel. flannel-mouthed flannel-mouthed (fla (flan'el-moutht), a. Having a mouth with the appearance of flannel: as, the flannel-mouthed cat, a fish ( A miurus nigricans ) of the great North American lakes. flannen (flan (flan'en), n . and a. An obsolete or dia- lectal variant of flannel. Their sarks, instead of creeshie flannen , Been snaw-white seventeen hunder linen! That hit fest was on fyre, & flappit out onone Vnto smorther & smoke, and no smethe low. Alle the flesche of the flanke he flappes in sondyre. Morte Arthure (E. E. T. S.), 1. 2782. Rascall, dost flappe me in the mouth with tailer; And tell'st thou me of haberdasher's ware? Rowlands , Knave of Harts (1613). flanning (flan'ing), n. [ a ) The internal splay or bevel of a win- 2. To beat with or as if with a flap. dow-jamb. (b) The inner flare or coving of a fireplace. flanque (flangk), n. [F.: see flank1 .] In her., same as flanch , 2. flanqued (flangkt), a. In her ., same as flanched . flap (flap), n. [ flap , flappe , a stroke, blow, buffet, a fly-flap, a loose, flexible part of a gar- ment, etc., = D. flap , a stroke, blow, box on the ear (cf. OD. flab be , a blow, a blow on the face, a fly-flap); from the verb.] 1. A stroke, blow, or buffet, as with the hand or with any weapon, etc. Preched of pen a unces that Poule the apostle suffred, In fame & frigore and flappes of scourges. Piers Plowman (B), xiii. 67. Flappe or stroke, ictus; flappe or buffett, alapa. Prompt . Parv . , p. 163. The beggar with his noble tree Laid lusty flaps him to. Robin Hood and the Beggar (Child's Ballads, V. 192). 2. The motion of anything broad and loose; a flapping motion. 3. An instrument for keep- ing off flies by a flapping motion. 4. Anything broad and flexible that hangs loose, or is attached by one end or side, and easily moved; that part of anything which pro- jects in such a form. The flap of a hat is that part of the brim which is turned up on one side, or is capable of being turned up; the flap of a waistcoat, that part of the long waistcoat of the eighteenth century which came down upon the thigh, extending on either side below and beyond the lowest button. Why art thou then exasperate,. thou green sarce- net flap for a sore eye, thou ta el of a prodigal's purse, thou? Shak., T. and C., v. 1. Yet let me flap this bug with gilded wings. Pope , Prol. to Satires, 1. 409. 3. To make or cause a swaying movement of, as something broad or flap-like: as, the wind flapped the shutters. Three times, all in the dead of night, A bell was heard to ring; The hooded hawks, high perched on beam, The clamour joined with whistling scream, And flapped their wings, and shook their bells. 4. To provide with a flap. With flapped oilskin hats we should have been weather- proof, but with one of these I was unprovided. Froude , Sketches, p. 89. 5. To let fall the flap of; move the flap of; especially, as in the case of a hat, to bring the flaps of forward and downward, wnward, so as to cover or protect the face. - 6. To arouse the atten- tion of, as by flapping the ears: apparently in B. Jonson, Cynthia's Revels, v., Palinode. I'll go afore, and have the bonfire made, My fireworks, and flap - dragons , and good back rack. Fletcher, Beggars' Bush, v. 2. 2. A plum, raisin, or other thing to be snatched from the burning liquor in playing flap dragon. See the extracts. We'll have flesh for holidays, fish for fasting-days, and moreo'er puddings and flap - jacks . Shak . , Pericles, ii. 1. Untill at last, by the skill of the cooke, it is transform'd into the forme of a flap - jack , which in our translation is cald a pancake. John Taylor , Jack-a-lent, i. 115. flap-keeper (flap'kē" pėr), n. A man whose duty it is to open the flaps of a sewer to allow the escape of sewage at low tide. flap-mouthed (flap moutht), a. Having loose, hanging lips, as a dog. When he [a hound] hath ceased his ill-resounding noise, Another flap - mouth'd mourner, black and grim, Against the welkin volleys out his voice. A good bag can be made at them in the fall, both among the young flappers and among the flights of wild duck. T. Roosevelt, Hunting Trips, p. 54. shoes worn by negro minstrels. flapper-skate (flap'ér-skāt), n. A local Eng- lish and Scotch name of species of Raia or ray, as the Raia macrorhyncha and R. fullonica . flappett (flap'et), n. [ flap + -et. Cf. flacket1 .] A flap or edge, as of a counter. flap-tile (flap'til), n. A tile a part of which is bent up to form a corner or receive a drip. flap-valve (flap'valv), n. valve hinged on one side. flare (flar), v.; pret. and pp. flared , ppr. flaring . [Of Scand. origin: flara , blaze, flame, adorn with tinsel, = Sw. dial. flora upp , blaze up suddenly (cf. E. flare up ); the older form (with orig. s) in Sw. dial. flasa , burn furiously, blaze: see flash1 .] I. in trans. 1. To shine out with sudden and unsteady light, luster, or splendor; give out a dazzling light. 2. To waver; flutter; burn with an unsteady light, as flame in a current of air; hence, to flutter, as such flame does; flutter with gaudy show. With ribbons pendant, flaring 'bout her head. Shak., M. W. of W., iv. 6. Like flaring tapers, brightening as they waste. Goldsmith, Traveller, 1. 400. Our last light, that long Had wink'd and threaten'd darkne , flared and fell. Tennyson, Morte d'Arthur. 3. To open or spread outward, like the mouth of a trumpet.-4. To incline outward from a perpendicular, as a ship's sides or bows, or any similar formation: opposed to tumble home. To flare up, to burn high by a sudden impulse; hence, to be come suddenly angry or excited; fly into a pa ion. Crime will not fail to flare up from men's hearts While hearts are men's, and so born criminal. II. trans. To cause to burn with a flaring flame; hence, to display glaringly; exhibit in an ostentatious manner. flare a flambeau, and another twinkle a taper. One mortal, one nation or generation of mortals, may Sir W. Hamilton . flare (flar), n. 1. A glaring, unsteady, wavering light; a glare: as, the flare of an expiring can- dle. Dickens, Our Mutual Friend, I. 31. tinuous broadening, as of a trumpet or a lily, 2. A spreading outward; a terminal or a con- the side of a ve el of any kind, etc.-3. In photog ., same as ghost , 8. Flare or ghost in the camera is an indistinct image of the diaphragm. Lea , Photography, p. 91. 4. Ostentation. Too modest for busine push and flare , he kept in the background while others gained by his labor. Sci. Amer., N. S., LVIII. 21. =Syn. 1. Glare , etc. See flame , n.. flare-tin (flar'tin), n. There was a flare - tin aboard, and from time to time we burned this over the rail, the turpentine making a great glare that illuminated the brig from the eyes to the taff- W. C. Ru ell, Jack's Courtship, xlvi. flare-up (flar'up), n . [ flare up , verb phrase, q. v., under flare , v.] 1. A sudden flashing or flaring of flame or light.-2. A sudden quarrel flaring (flar ing), p . a. or angry argument. [Colloq.] unsteadily.-2. Gaudy; showy; flashy. beams, they over-laid with wanton tre es, and in a flar- Her chaste and modest vail, surrounded with celestial ing tire bespeckl'd her with all the gaudy allurements of a whore. Milton , Reformation in Eng., i. flaringly (flar'ing-li), adv . Flutteringly; show- ily. flash1 (flash), v . [The several words spelled flash are somewhat confused with one another. Flash1 , v., is prob. of Scand. origin: Sw. dial. flasa , burn furiou furiously, blaze: see flare , v.] I. in- cally, to ignite and flare up with sudden and trans. 1. To burst into sudden flame; specifi- transient brilliancy; emit a bright flame for a der flashed in the pan. moment: as, the flashing -point of oil; the pow- IMG:content-1447.png:[blocks in formation] Every hour He flashes into o gro crime or other, That sets us all atodds. Shak ., Lear, i. 3. For whhe he linger'd there, A doubt that ever smulder'd in the hearts Of those great Lords ad Barons of his realm Flash'd forth and into ar. Tonyson, Coming of Arthur. 5. To come, move, or pas in a flashing man- ner; act as if in or by a flash: as, the dog flashed by in hot pursuit. But now her cheek was pale, and by an by It flash'd forth fire, as lightning from the sky. The chariot of paternal Deity, Flashing thick flames. 2. To cause to flame up suddenly, is by igni- tion; produce a flash from. and flashed on plates of gla or porcelain. A small portion [of gunpowder] is roughly granulated, Encyc . Bit ., XI. 325. 3. To convey or send by instantaneous com- muni cation; cause to appear or be perceived suddenly or startlingly: as, to flash a me age over the wires (of a telegraph). Then suddenly regain the prize, And flash thanksgivings to the skies. For so the words were flash'd into his heat, He knew not whence or wherefore. flash lacuna. 2255 Plasche or flasche , where reyne watyr stondythe, torrens, Prompt . Parv., p. 403. Yet still the dangerous dykes from shot do them secure, Where they [mallards, etc.] from flash to flash , like the full epicure, Waft, as they lov'd to change their diet every meal. flashy as, a flash from a gun. IMG:content-1448.png:[blocks in formation] Drayton , Polyolbion, xxv. above a shoal, to raise the water while craft are pa ing. I was gone down with the barge to London; and for want of a flash , we lay ten weeks before we came again. Shak ., Cymbeline, iv. 2 (song). Dialogue on Oxford Parliament , 1681 (Harl. Misc., II. 116). IMG:content-1449.png:[blocks in formation] 4. pl. The hot stage of a fever. [Prov. Eng.] -5t. A showy or blustering person. The town is full Of these vain-glorious flashes . Shirley, Love in a Maze, i. 2. Milton, Reformation in Eng., i. Fan a ticks, and declamatory flashes . 6t. A quibble; jugglery with words. He falls next to flashes, and a multitude of words, in all which is contain'd no more than what might be the Plea of any guiltiest Offender. Milton, Eikon ok las tes, xii. 7. A shoot of a plant. The new shoots [of the tea-plant], or flashes , as they are called, come on four, sometimes five times between April and October. A. G. F. Eliot James , Indian Industries, xxviii. 8. A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., used for coloring brandy and rum, and giving them a factitious strength. - A flash in the pan. (a) An explosion of the priming in the lock-pan, the gun itself hanging fire. Hence-(b) An unsucce ful effort or outburst; a brilliant endeavor followed by failure: said of an utterly abortive effort that has been made with much parade or confidence, of an ineffective outbreak of pa ion, etc.- Flash-flue. See flue1.=Syn. 1. Flare, etc. See flame, n.