flounce

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim
  2. noun the act of walking with exaggerated jerky motions
  3. verb walk emphatically

Etymology

Probably of North Germanic origin, from Norwegian flunsa (“hurry”), perhaps ultimately imitative. Or, perhaps formed on the pattern of pounce, bounce.

In classic literature

Synonyms

frill, ruffle, furbelow

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