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flay

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flay

Main Entry:: flay
Pronunciation:: \ˈflā\
Function:: transitive verb
Etymology:: Middle English flen, from Old English flēan; akin to Old Norse flā to flay, Lithuanian plėšti to tear
Date:: before 12th century

1 : to strip off the skin or surface of : skin 2 : to criticize harshly : excoriate 3 : lash 1b <the wind whipped up to gale fury, flaying his face — Richard Kent>

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