Flinch (?), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Flinched (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Flinching.] [Prob. fr. OE. flecchen to waver, give way,
F. fléchir, fr. L. flectere to bend; but prob.
influenced by E. blench. Cf. Flex.] 1.
To withdraw from any suffering or undertaking, from pain or
danger; to fail in doing or perserving; to show signs of yielding or
of suffering; to shrink; to wince; as, one of the parties
flinched from the combat.
A child, by a constant course of kindness, may be
accustomed to bear very rough usage without flinching or
complaining.
Locke.
2. (Croquet) To let the foot slip from
a ball, when attempting to give a tight croquet.
Flinch, n. The act of
flinching.