subs. (common).—In billiards, an accidental winning hazard; in all games a result not played for; a CROW (q.v.). In yachting an effect of chance; a result in which seamanship has had no part. Hence, a stroke of luck. Sp., bambarria.
1857. Notes and Queries, 2 S. IV., p. 208, col. 1. In playing at billiards, if a player makes a hazard, etc., which he did not play for, it is often said that he made a crow…. Another term is, ‘He made a FLOOK’ (or FLUKE).
1869. WHYTE-MELVILLE, M. or N., p. 100. ‘Only lost a pony on the whole meeting,’ answered Dick triumphantly. ‘And even that was a FLUKE, because Bearwarden’s Bacchante filly was left at the post.’
1873. W. BLACK, A Princess of Thule, ch. xix, ‘These conditions are not often fulfilled, I can tell you. It is a happy FLUKE when they are.’
1880. HAWLEY SMART, Social Sinners, ch. xxxii. ‘I suppose, by your asking the question, you have become acquainted with Mr. Solano’s past.’ ‘That’s just it, Mr. Prossiter; by an odd FLUKE I have.’
1891. HUME NISBET, Bail Up! p. 144. He was now being cured only to be hanged, most likely, unless by some happy FLUKE he got off with imprisonment for life.
Verb (common and billiards).—1. To effect by accident.
1888. The Sportsman, 20 Dec. Fortune once more assisted Mitchell, who, in trying to make a red loser, FLUKED a cannon, from which he got on the spot, and made forty-three winners in a break of 161.
2. (schoolboys’).—To shirk.
1864. B. HEMYNG, Eton School Days, ch. xvi., p. 203. ‘By Jove! I think I shall fluke doing Verses; I should like to see Paddy drive tandem through College,’ said Butler Burke.
TO CUT FLUKES OUT, verb. phr. (nautical).—To mutiny; to turn sulky and disobedient.
TO TURN FLUKES, verb. phr. (nautical).—To go to bed; Le., TO BUNK (q.v.), or turn in.
