[f. FLY sb.1 + BLOW sb.1; after next.]

1

  1.  trans. Of the fly: To deposit eggs in (meat, etc.); hence, to corrupt secretly, taint. Chiefly fig.

2

1603.  B. Jonson, Sejanus, V. x.

                        Is not he blest
That … Can claw his subtle elbow, or with a buzze
Fly-blow his eares?

3

1610.  Rowlands, Martin Mark-all, 13. If it were not for vs, much good meate would be in danger of Fly-blowing, or cast to dogges.

4

1678.  B. R., Let. Pop. Friends, 7. If we cannot wound the Government mortally, lets Fly-blow it with Scandals and Suspicions.

5

1795.  Southey, Joan of Arc, x. 77.

                  Court vermin that buzz round,
And fly-blow the King’s ear, and make him waste,
In this most perilous time, his people’s wealth
And blood.

6

1813.  T. Moore, Lett., in Mem. (1853), I. 349. The success he has met with will produce a whole swarm of imitators in the same Eastern style, who will completely fly-blow all the novelty of my subject.

7

  2.  intr. (or absol.) Of flies: To deposit their eggs.

8

1735.  Pope, Ep. Lady, 27.

        So morning Insects that in muck begun,
Shine, buzz, and fly-blow in the setting-sun.

9