noun
- Plural of flyting; instances of harsh, abusive, or insulting language exchanged between people; scolding matches or verbal quarrels.
Usage: Often used in historical or literary contexts, particularly in Scottish and Middle English literature.; Can refer to a formal poetic exchange of insults, as in medieval tradition.
Examples
- The medieval poets engaged in famous flytings, trading elaborate insults in verse.
- Their flytings echoed through the hall as they hurled accusations at each other.
- The document records several flytings between rival nobles of the period.
- Scottish literature contains many examples of witty flytings between characters.
- The flytings between the two speakers grew increasingly heated and personal.