[Of uncertain origin; possibly identical with FLAMBE flag, iris; ‘the flams’ may have been used for the place where these plants grow, and the meaning of the sing. may have been wrongly deduced.] (See quots.)
1725. Hearne, R. Brunne’s Chron., Gloss., s.v. Flow, It is withall remarkable, that low, watry, rushy places are frequently call’d Flams by persons (especially such as deal in Meadows and Cattle) in and about Oxford.
1791. Rep. Navig. Thames & Isis, Estimate 3. The Flam or Close to be cut through, and Gangways to the Bridge for the Towing-Horses.
1872. H. W. Taunt, Map of Thames, p. x. Along the edge of the reedy flams which line its left bank are fine spots for jack and other fish.
