[Alteration of earlier FROUNCE, prob. due to the influence of FLOUNCE v.1
(The alleged AF. flounce, quoted in Skeat’s Etym. Dict. (Suppl.), is a misprint for founce bottom (of a basin).]
1. ‘An ornamental appendage to the skirt of a lady’s dress, consisting of a strip gathered and sewed on by its upper edge around the skirt, and left hanging and waving.’ (W.)
1713. Swift, Cadenus & Vanessa, 45.
| From Fans, and Flounces, and Brocades, | |
| From Equipage and Park-Parades. |
1795. S. Rogers, Words Mrs. Siddons, 59.
| Last the grey Dowager, in ancient flounces, | |
| With snuff and spectacles the age denounces. |
1862. Miss Braddon, Lady Audley, iii. 27. She was shaking out the flounces of the last [silk dresses].
transf. 1799. J. Robertson, Agric. Perth, 219–20. The tramp-ricks should also be neatly raked down the sides, and well drawn all round close to the bottom, so that the rain may fall from the sides into the earth; not leaving the hay in a flounce at the skirts.
1891. Baring-Gould, In Troubadour-Land, x. 130. They are two limestone blocks fallen from the precipices above, lying on the flounce of rubble near the bottom of the promontory of Les Baux.
2. Mil. The leather flap closing the holster-pipe.
1833. Regul. Instr. Cavalry, I. 106. Take off the right hand glove, unbutton the flounce, and push forward the cloak, and seize the butt of the pistol with the right hand, under the left arm.
