Middle English Dictionary Entry
flẹ̄ten v.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | flẹ̄ten v.(2) Ppl. flet. |
| Etymology | Cp. A flēte, WS flīete, flȳte cream, curds. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To skim (a liquid); to take the cream off (milk), remove the scum of (ale), etc.
Associated quotations
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)166 : Flet, as mylke or oþer lyke: Despumatus.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)167 : Fletyn, or skomyn ale, or pottys, or oþer lycoure that hovythe: Despumo, exspumo. Flete mylke only: Dequacco, exquacco.
- c1450 Burg.Practica (Rwl D.251)213/14 : Þen stranne hym and let hym stonde al nyte, and on þe morow let flete þe grace of.
- c1450 Med.Bk.(1) (Med-L 136)p.90 : Put ther on a potell of barme as brewers done apon ale, fletyng it when it nedith iiij days or v, & þen tune it in barell.