A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Fling, Flyng, v. P.t. flang, flange. P.p. flungyne, -in. [ME. fling, flyng (c 1300), of obscure origin.]
1. tr. To cast or throw quickly and strongly.1375 Barb. xvi. 651.
He evin apon his bak hym flang Ib. xvii. 645.
Ledderis to the ground thai flang a1400 Leg. S. ii. 345.
Sanct Paulis hed … In a depe vewar warpit was, Quhare sa mony vthir war flungyne Ib. xlv. 174.
He gert hire bynd, & in a myrk pressone hire flyng ?1438 Alex. ii. 10209.
Quha sa had flungin thame in to Sane c1475 Wall. iv. 248.
He … in the dik him flang 1513 Doug. v. iv. 147.
The entralis eyk, far in the fludis brak, … sal I fling and swak 1531 Bell. Boece I. 91.
Than the Britonis flang thair bowis fra thaim 1567 Sat. P. iii. 29.
Dartis about him swyftlie could he fling 1620 Crim. Trials III. 425.
[He] violentlie flang hir over tua kyis bakis
2. intr. To throw out the legs; to kick.1375 Barb. vi. 143.
He stekit the hors, and he can flyng Ib. xiv. 69.
Hobynis, that war stekit thar, rerit and flang c1420 Wynt. iv. 729.
Thare morel, bayard, dun and gray, Wyth wowndys flyngand ran away 1571 Sat. P. xxvi. 167.
Tuiche anis the gaw & than the hors wil fling c1590 J. Stewart 27/447.
The steide … vold turne moir ferdie quhen he flang Than flame of fyrflacht 1605 Dundee Chart. 171.
Be lifting of his leg skornefullie and flinging at the said George
3. To spring or dance; to move quickly and with vigour; fig. to act with freedom or extravagance.1528 Lynd. Dreme 12.
Sumtyme in dansing feiralie I flang 15.. Christis Kirk 110 (B).
Thay … flang togiddir lyk friggis 1540 Lynd. Sat. 450.
I traist scho sall find ȝow flinging ȝour fill 1570 Sat. P. xvi. 60.
Sen ȝe ken how the mater stands, Suld he haif leif to fling? 1590 Burel Pilgr. i. viii.
The … aip … hang so, and flang so, Fast felterd be the feit a1689 Cleland Poems 62.
Every thing, Which make some brethren flisk and fling
