Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FLAUNT, v.i. [I know not whence we have this word. It is doubtless of Celtic origin, from the root Ln, bearing the sense of throwing out, or spreading. Qu. Scot. flanter, to waver. See Flounce.]

1. To throw or spread out; to flutter; to display ostentatiously; as, a flaunting show. You flaunt about the streets in your new gilt chariot. Arbuthnot. One flaunts in rags, one flutters in brocade. Pope. [This correctly expresses the author's meaning, which is, that the proud often attempt to make a show and parade of their importance, even in poverty. Johnson's remark on the use of the word seems therefore to be unfounded.]
2. To carry a pert or saucy appearance. Boyle.