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plural fleas
A small, wingless, parasitic insect of the order Siphonaptera, renowned for its bloodsucking habits and jumping abilities. examples
(derogatory) A thing of no significance. quotations examples
The nation of beggars on horseback which first colonized California has left behind it many traditions unworthy of conservation, and multitudinous fleas not at all traditional, but even less keepworthy […]
1871, Fitz Hugh Ludlow, The Heart of the Continent, page 414
third-person singular simple present fleas, present participle fleaing, simple past and past participle fleaed
(transitive) To remove fleas from (an animal). quotations examples
I have seen a Lubra, or native woman, suckling two puppies; and, like monkeys, these ladies have a particular fancy for fleaing their dogs.
1861, Horace William Wheelwright, Bush Wanderings of a Naturalist, page 192
third-person singular simple present fleas, present participle fleaing, simple past and past participle flead
Obsolete spelling of flay quotations examples
[…] he'd flea me alive like another St Bartholomew.
1605, Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, Everyman's Library, published 1991, page 36
In this Thwackum had the advantage; for while Square could only scarify the poor lad's reputation, he could flea his skin […]
1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […]