Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FLASH, v.i.

1. To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst or open instantly on the sight, as splendor. It differs from glitter, glisten and gleam, in denoting a flood or wide extent of light. The latter words may express the issuing of light from a small object, or from a pencil of rays. A diamond may glitter or glisten, but it does not flash. Flash differs from other words also in denoting suddenness of appearance and disappearance.
2. To burst or break forth with a flood of flame and light; as, the powder flashed in the pan. Flashing differs from exploding or disploding, in not being accompanied with a loud report.
3. To burst out into any kind of violence. Every hour He flashes into one gross crime or other. Shak.
4. To break out, as a sudden expression of wit, merriment, or bright thought. Felton.