Floun"der (?), n. [Cf. Sw. flundra; akin to Dan. flynder, Icel. flyra, G. flunder, and perh. to E. flounder, v.i.]
1. Zool.
A flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae, of many species.
The common English flounder is Pleuronectes flesus. There are several common American species used as food; as the smooth flounder (P. glabra); the rough or winter flounder (P. Americanus); the summer flounder, or plaice (Paralichthys dentatus), Atlantic coast; and the starry flounder (Pleuronectes stellatus).
2. Bootmaking
A tool used in crimping boot fronts.
© Webster 1913.
Floun"der, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Floundered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Floundering.] [Cf. D. flodderen to flap, splash through mire, E. flounce, v.i., and flounder the fish.]
To fling the limbs and body, as in making efforts to move; to struggle, as a horse in the mire, or as a fish on land; to roll, toss, and tumble; to flounce.
They have floundered on from blunder to blunder.
Sir W. Hamilton.
© Webster 1913.
Floun"der, n.
The act of floundering.
© Webster 1913.