Sc. Also 8–9 flann, 9 flam. [cf. Icel. flan sudden rush, flana to rush.] a. A sudden gust or puff of wind. b. A puff of smoke driven down the chimney by a gust of wind.
c. 1475. Rauf Coilȝear, 2. Thair fell ane ferlyfull flan within thay fellis wide.
1701. J. Brand, Descr. Orkney, etc., 81. Tho the Wind be not so strong, there will come Flanns and Blasts off the Land as to their swiftness and surprisal something like to Hurricanes.
1742. J. Mill, Diary (1889), 3. The side of the boat was laid under water by a sudden flan.
1820. St. Kathleen, III. 110. It blows squally, as the flams o’ reek flappin’ doun the lum may tell ye, an’ I’m amaist inclined to think we’ll a’ repent it gin we stand oot to sea in sic a nicht.
1866. Edmondstoun, Shetland & Orkn. Gloss., Flan, Flann, a gust of wind. S.
