Flaunt

In modern english, "flaunt" is often confused with "flout." However, the two are not interchangable. Flaunt is described in this node. "Flout" means to mock or treat with contempt; the most common usage is to speak of "flouting the rules," disobeying the rules in an obvious and disrespectful manner.

The two words do not share a root. "Flout" comes from the French for "flute"; "flaunt" may be from German for "flutter." Their confusion is probably due to superficial similarities, as well as to the general association of both with arrogance.

Flaunt . Flaunting.] [Cf. dial. G. flandern to flutter, wave; perh. akin to E. flatter, flutter.]

To throw or spread out; to flutter; to move 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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Flaunt, v. t.

To display ostentatiously; to make an impudent show of.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Flaunt, n.

Anything displayed for show.

[Obs.]

In these my borrowed flaunts. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.