Flĭnch, v. i.

v. i. [imp. & p. p. FLINCHED (flĭncht); p. pr. & vb. n. FLINCHING.] [Probably corrupted from blench, q. v.] To withdraw from any suffering or undertaking, from pain or danger; to fail in doing or persevering; to show signs of yielding or of suffering; to shrink; to wince; as, one of the parties flinched from the combat.

A child, by a constant course of kindness, may be accustomed to bear very rough usage without flinching or complaining. Locke.