Flea , n. [OE.
fle, flee, AS.
fleá, fleáh; akin to D.
vtoo, OHG. flōh, G. floh, Icel. flō, Russ. blocha; prob. from the root of E. flee. √84. See Flee.]
(Zoöl.) An insect belonging to the genus
Pulex, of the order Aphaniptera. Fleas are destitute of wings, but have the
power of leaping energetically. The bite is poisonous to most persons. The human flea (Pulex irritans), abundant
in Europe, is rare in America, where the dog
flea (P. canis) takes its place. See Aphaniptera, and Dog flea. See Illustration in Appendix.
A flea in the ear, an unwelcome hint or unexpected reply, annoying like a flea; an irritating repulse; as, to put a flea in one's ear; to go away with a flea
in one's ear. -- Beach flea, Black flea, etc. See under Beach,
etc.
Flea (flē), v. t. [See Flay.]
To flay. [Obs.]
He will be
fleaed first
And horse collars made of's skin.
J. Fletcher.
Hear it pronounced