Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FLY, v.i. [pret. flew; pp. flōwn. Sax. fleogan; G. fliegen; D. vliegen; Sw. flyga; Dan. flyver. In Saxon, the same verb signifies to fly and to flee; in German, different word are used.]

1. To move through air by the aid of wings, as fowls.
2. To pass or move in air, by the force of wind or other impulse; as, clouds and vapors fly before the wind. A ball flies from a cannon, an arrow from a bow.
3. To rise in air, as light substances, by means of a current of air, or by having less specific gravity than air, as smoke. Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Job v.
4. To move or pass with velocity or celerity, either on land or water. He flew to the relief of his distressed friend. The ship flies upon the main.
5. To move rapidly, in any manner; as, a top flies about.
6. To pass away; to depart; with the idea of haste, swiftness or escape. The bird has flown.
7. To pass rapidly, as time. Swift fly the fleeting hours.
8. To part suddenly or with violence; to burst, as a bottle. Swift.
9. To spring by an elastic force.
10. To pass swiftly, as rumor or report.
11. To flee; to run away; to attempt to escape; to escape. I'll fly from shepherds, flocks, and flowery plains. – Pope.
12. To flutter; to vibrate or play; as a flag in the wind. To fly at, to spring toward; to rush on; to fall on suddenly. A hen flies at a dog or cat; a dog flies at a man. To fly in the face, to insult. #2. To assail; to resist; to set at defiance; to oppose with violence; to act in direct opposition. To fly off, to separate or depart suddenly. #2. To revolt. To fly open, to open suddenly or with violence; as, the doors flew open. To fly out, to rush out; also, to burst into a passion. #2. To break out into license. #3. To start or issue with violence from any direction. To let fly, to discharge; to throw or drive with violence; as, to let fly a shower of darts. #2. In seamanship, to let go suddenly. Let fly the sheets.