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flout

(flout)

tr.v. flout·ed, flout·ing, flouts

1. To ignore or disregard (a rule or convention, for example) in an open or defiant way: flout a law; behavior that flouted convention. See Usage Note at flaunt.

2. Archaic To express contempt for; mock or jeer at.

[Perhaps from Middle English flouten, to play the flute, from Old French flauter, from flaute, flute; see FLUTE.]

flouter n.

flouting·ly adv.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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