Obs. exc. dial. [Of obscure etymology; perh. an altered form of *fludge, a possible dialectal representative of OE. flycȝe FLEDGE a. (cf. cudgel from OE. cycȝel; the form may be due to the influence of next vb.] = FLEDGE a.
1561. T. Hoby, trans. Castiglione’s Courtyer (1588), X viij b. Such as come to this loue, are like yong birdes almost flush, which for all they flitter a little their tender winges, yet dare they not stray farr from the nest, nor commit themselues to the winde and open weather.
1599. A. M., trans. Gabelhouer’s Bk. Physicke, 80/2. When as theye [swollowes] are fetherede, & allmost flushe, discidinge them on the backe.
1622. Mabbe, trans. Aleman’s Guzman d’Alf., I. III. ii. 196. Then are they to shift for themselves, and like birds that are flush, to forsake the nest.
1825. Britton, Beaut. of Wiltsh., III. 373. Flush. Fledged.
