flush

Definition

A group of birds that have suddenly started up from undergrowth, trees, etc.

Etymology

From Middle English flusshen, fluschen, of uncertain origin. Compare dialectal flusk (“to fly at, startle a bird out of the bush”) and flusker (“to flutter, fly irregularly”). Perhaps related to Middle English flasshen, flasschen, flaschen, see flash; or a Middle English blend of flowen (“to flow”) + guschen (“to gush”). Compare Saterland Frisian flutskje, German Low German flutschen, German flutschen.

Example Sentences

• "As when a Faulcon hath with nimble flight / Flowne at a flush of Ducks foreby the brooke […]."