[Of unknown origin.] Usually pl. The large chaps of a deep-mouthed hound (e.g., the bloodhound).
1575. Turberv., Faulconrie, 369. If it bee a whelpe of a moneth olde, they take him and open his flew and iawes with a mannes hande.
1611. Markham, Countr. Content., I. i. (1668), 5. The flews of his [i.e., a hound’s] upper lips almost two inches lower than his neither chaps, which shews a merry deep mouth, and a loud ringer.
1766–82. in Bailey.
1818. Hogg, Hunt of Eildon, v., in Brownie of Bodsbeck, II. 322.
| An’ their crukit tungis were dry for blood, | |
| An’ the red lowe firled at their flews. |
1883. Stables, Friend Dog, vii. 60. Flews, the hanging lips, as in the Blood-hound.
