1. to engage in a heated or witty exchange of insults or abuse, especially in verse or as a literary tradition
Usage: chiefly Scottish and archaic; often used in historical or literary contexts

1. a heated or witty exchange of insults or abuse; a quarrel or scolding match
Usage: chiefly Scottish and archaic; often used in historical or literary contexts

Examples

• The two poets engaged in a famous flyte, trading barbs and insults in their verses.
• Medieval Scottish literature contains many examples of flyting between rival bards.
• She began to flyte at him for his carelessness and rudeness.
• The flyte between the characters in the old ballad was both clever and cutting.
• They would flyte back and forth, each trying to outdo the other with sharper wit.
• The tradition of flyting was popular among Scottish writers of the Renaissance.