from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Flicker \Flick"er\ (fl[i^]k"[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
{Flickered} (fl[i^]k"[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Flickering}.]
[OE. flikeren, flekeren, to flutter, AS. flicerian,
flicorian, cf. D. flikkeren to sparkle. [root]84. Cf.
Flacker.]
1. To flutter; to flap the wings without flying.
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And flickering on her nest made short essays to
sing. --Dryden.
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2. To waver unsteadily, like a flame in a current of air, or
when about to expire; as, the flickering light.
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The shadows flicker to fro. --Tennyson.
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