fletch

A modification of fledge (“to acquire feathers”) due to the influence of fletcher (“arrow-maker”). Compare flèche.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /flɛt͡ʃ/

• Audio (Southern England)

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• Rhymes: -ɛtʃ

fletch (plural fletches)

1. (archery) The vane toward the back of an arrow, used to stabilise the arrow during flight.
2. (fisheries) A large boneless fillet of halibut, swordfish or tuna.

• (vane of arrow): feather, flight

fletch (third-person singular simple present fletches, present participle fletching, simple past and past participle fletched)

1. (transitive) To feather, as an arrow.

• fletching

• fletcher

Perhaps from Middle English flegge.

• IPA^(key): /ɸlɛt͡ʃ/

fletch

1. The portion of straw inserted each time by the thatcher.

• Kathleen A. Browne (1927) The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Sixth Series, Vol.17 No.2, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, page 136