fleer — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To make a wry face in contempt, or to grin in scorn

   Usage

   • Archaic

   Synonyms

   deridesneermockgibe

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   LEONATO. Tush, tush, man! never fleer and jest at me: I speak not like a dotard nor a fool, As, under privilege of age, to brag What I have done being young, or what would do, Were I not old.

   […] he that writes a Play exposes himself without any Advantage to a parcel of fleering Criticks, who wonder at any Man for attempting so difficult a Business, and are only disappointed when he succeeds in’t.

   [I]n short, sneering and fleering at him in her cold barren way[.]

2. To grin with an air of civility; to leer.

   Usage

   • Archaic

   Synonyms

   fligger

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   In the time of popery, before the gospel came amongst us, we went to burials with weeping and wailing, as though there were no God: but since the gospel came unto us, I have heard say, that in some places they go with the corses grinning and flearing, as though they went to a bear-baiting;[…]

Noun

1. Mockery; derision.

   Usage

   • Archaic
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   […] And flattery tipt with nauseous fleer, And guilty shame, and servile fear, Envy, and cruelty, and pride, Will in your tainted heart preside.

Noun

1. One who flees.

   Examples

   Which fear of the fleers away was no less ignominious, then if[…]they had turned their backs to the enemie.

1. someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

   Synonyms

   fugitiverunaway

   Broader terms

   actordoerworker

   Examples

   fugitives from the sweatshops

1. contempt expressed by mockery in looks or words

   Broader terms

   contemptscorn

Verb

1. to smirk contemptuously

   Broader terms

   smirksimper