flicker

Etymology 1

From Middle English flikeren (“to flutter”), from Old English flicerian, flicorian (“to flutter”). Akin to Saterland Frisian flikkerje (“to flicker”), West Frisian flikkerje (“to flicker”), Dutch flikkeren (“to flicker, flutter”), German Low German flickern (“to light up, flash, flicker”). Compare Old English flacor (“flickering, fluttering”), German flackern (“to flicker, flutter”), Old English flēoġan (“to fly”).

noun

1. An unsteady flash of light.
   the flicker of the dying candle
   the flicker of a poorly tuned television set
2. (figurative) A short moment.
   a flicker of hope
   a flicker of recognition passed through my mind.
   It was a casual sneer, obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face. 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 8, in The China Governess

verb

1. (intransitive) To burn or shine unsteadily, or with a wavering light.
2. (intransitive) To keep going on and off; to appear and disappear for short moments; to flutter.
   A strong desire to smash up everything in the room kept flickering in his head.
   1967, Barry Mason (writer), Tom Jones (performer), Delilah I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window I saw the flickering shadow of love on her blind
   In a city where media companies and hospitals have armed guards, this accessibility is unusual. Inside, drivers sit and chat in between shifts, the overhead fan whirring and causing the dim electric light to flicker over their faces. April 6, 2017, Samira Shackle, “On the frontline with Karachi’s ambulance drivers”, in the Guardian
3. (transitive, intransitive) To flutter or flap.
   But the child saw her; was it possible? He turned his head towards her, and flickered his baby hands, and cooed with that indescribable voice that goes to every woman's heart. 1884, Margaret Oliphant, Old Lady Mary

Etymology 2

1808, American English, probably echoic of the bird's call, or from the white spotted plumage which appears to flicker.

noun

1. (US) Any of certain small woodpeckers, especially of the genus Colaptes.

Etymology 3

flick + -er

noun

1. One who flicks.