Definitions for the word "Fly" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. i.
To move in or pass thorugh the air with wings, as a bird.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. i.
To move through the air or before the wind; esp., to pass or be driven rapidly through the air by any impulse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To float, wave, or rise in the air, as sparks or a flag.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To move or pass swiftly; to hasten away; to circulate rapidly; as, a ship flies on the deep; a top flies around; rumor flies.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
To run from danger; to attempt to escape; to flee; as, an enemy or a coward flies. See Note under Flee.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. i.
To move suddenly, or with violence; to do an act suddenly or swiftly; -- usually with a qualifying word; as, a door flies open; a bomb flies apart.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To cause to fly or to float in the air, as a bird, a kite, a flag, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To fly or flee from; to shun; to avoid.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To hunt with a hawk.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
Any winged insect; esp., one with transparent wings; as, the Spanish fly; firefly; gall fly; dragon fly.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
Any dipterous insect; as, the house fly; flesh fly; black fly. See Diptera, and Illust. in Append.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. i.
A hook dressed in imitation of a fly, -- used for fishing.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. i.
A familiar spirit; a witch's attendant.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. i.
A parasite.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. i.
A kind of light carriage for rapid transit, plying for hire and usually drawn by one horse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. i.
The length of an extended flag from its staff; sometimes, the length from the "union" to the extreme end.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. i.
The part of a vane pointing the direction from which the wind blows.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. v. i.
That part of a compass on which the points are marked; the compass card.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. v. i.
Two or more vanes set on a revolving axis, to act as a fanner, or to equalize or impede the motion of machinery by the resistance of the air, as in the striking part of a clock.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. v. i.
A heavy wheel, or cross arms with weights at the ends on a revolving axis, to regulate or equalize the motion of machinery by means of its inertia, where the power communicated, or the resistance to be overcome, is variable, as in the steam engine or the coining press. See Fly wheel (below).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. v. i.
The piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position while the needle is penetrating another loop; a latch.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. v. i.
The pair of arms revolving around the bobbin, in a spinning wheel or spinning frame, to twist the yarn.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
23. v. i.
A shuttle driven through the shed by a blow or jerk.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
24. v. i.
Formerly, the person who took the printed sheets from the press.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
25. v. i.
A vibrating frame with fingers, attached to a power to a power printing press for doing the same work.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
26. v. i.
The outer canvas of a tent with double top, usually drawn over the ridgepole, but so extended as to touch the roof of the tent at no other place.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
27. v. i.
One of the upper screens of a stage in a theater.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
28. v. i.
The fore flap of a bootee; also, a lap on trousers, overcoats, etc., to conceal a row of buttons.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
29. v. i.
A batted ball that flies to a considerable distance, usually high in the air; also, the flight of a ball so struck; as, it was caught on the fly.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
30. a.
Knowing; wide awake; fully understanding another's meaning.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
31. v.
(flies; past flew; past part. Flown) 1 a (of an aircraft, bird, etc.) Move through the air or space under control, esp. With wings. B travel through the air or space. 2 control the flight of or transport in (esp. An aircraft). 3 a cause to fly or remain aloft. B (of a flag, hair, etc.) Wave or flutter. 4 pass, move, or rise quickly. 5 a flee; flee from. B colloq. Depart hastily. 6 be driven, forced, or scattered (sent me flying). 7 (foll. By at, upon) a hasten or spring violently. B attack or criticize fiercely. n. (pl. -ies) 1 (usu. In pl.) A concealing flap, esp. Over a trouser-fastening. B this fastening. 2 flap at a tent entrance. 3 (in pl.) Space above a stage where scenery and lighting are suspended. 4 act of flying. fly high be ambitious; prosper. Fly in the face of disregard or disobey. Fly a kite test opinion. Fly off the handle colloq. Lose one''s temper. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
32. n.
(pl. Flies) 1 insect with two usu. Transparent wings. 2 other winged insect, e.g. A firefly. 3 disease of plants or animals caused by flies. 4 (esp. Artificial) fly as bait in fishing. like flies in large numbers (usu. Of people dying etc.). No flies on (him etc.) Colloq. (he is) very astute. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
33. adj.
Slang knowing, clever, alert. [origin unknown]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
34. slang
knowing, wide-awake, fully understanding another’s meaning.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
35. slang
TO BE ON THE, to be out for a day’s drink or pleasure.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
36. slang
to lift, toss, or raise; “FLY the mags,” _i.e._, toss up the
halfpence; “to FLY a window,” _i.e._, to lift one for the purpose of
stealing.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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Additional Info
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