Flats and Sharps, subs. phr. (old).—Weapons.
1818. Scott, Heart of Midlothian, ch. xxx. ‘I have known many a pretty lad cut short in his first summer upon the road, because he was something hasty with his flats and sharps.’
Flatten Out, verb. phr. (American).—To get the better of (in argument or fight). For synonyms, see Floor. Flattened-out = ruined; beaten.
Flatter-trap, subs. (common).—The mouth. Fr., la menteuse, but for synonyms, see Potato-trap.
1859. Matsell, Vocabulum, or Rogue’s Lexicon, s.v.
Flatty-ken, subs. (thieves’).—See quot.
1851–61. Mayhew, Lond. Lab. and Lond. Poor, vol. I., p. 261. Some take up their abode in what they call flatty-kens, that is, houses the landlord of which is not ‘awake’ or ‘fly’ to the ‘moves’ and dodges of the trade.
Flawed, ppl. adj. (common).—1. Half drunk; ‘a little crooked’; quick-tempered.—Grose. For synonyms, see Drinks and Screwed.
2. (venery).—‘Cracked in the ring’; i.e., deflowered.
Flay (or flay the fox), verb. phr. (old).—To vomit: ‘from the subject to the effect,’ says Cotgrave; ‘for the flaying of so stinking a beast is like enough to make them spue that feel it.’ Now, to shoot the cat. For synonyms, see Accounts and Cast up Accounts. Cf., Fox, verb, sense 1.