flurry

name

1. A surname.

noun

Etymology: Perhaps an American English blend of flutter and hurry. Alternatively, perhaps from an obsolete term flurr (“scatter”).

1. A light, brief snowfall; a shower of snow.
2. A sudden and brief blast or gust; a light, temporary breeze.

   “a flurry of wind”

   “When the right-away was given, Driver Gibson would give a sonorous blast on Cardean's deep-toned hooter, and amid a flurry of swirling steam the train would move majestically out, with nearly half the city of Carlisle—or so it would appear—as onlookers on the platform.”

3. A shower of dust, leaves etc. brought on by a sudden gust of wind.
4. Any sudden activity; a stir.

   “"I missed the beast in my flurry, but he dropped you all right and was off like a streak."”

   “With a little manœuvring they contrived to meet on the doorstep which was […] in a boiling stream of passers-by, hurrying business people speeding past in a flurry of fumes and dust in the bright haze.”

5. A snack consisting of soft ice cream mixed with small pieces of fruit, cookie crumbs, etc.

   “Does your "Forbidden Foods" list include banana splits, ice cream sundaes, slurpies, popsicles, frozen yogurts, milk shakes, and ice cream flurries? These foods taste great but have a reputation for being bad for your health.”

   “They will make your tongue smile with their homemade ice cream, which was voted "Best Taste in the USA Today." Enjoy exciting toppings to personalize your treat or a yummy sundae, flurry, smoothie, banana split or shake...”

6. The violent spasms of a dying whale.

   “Again and again to such gamesome talk, the dexterous dart is repeated, the spear returning to its master like a greyhound held in skilful leash. The agonized whale goes into his flurry; the tow-line is slackened, and the pitchpoler dropping astern, folds his hands, and mutely watches the monster die.”

7. An occurrence of something (countable instances) in large numbers, happening suddenly or in a short period of time.

   “The fencer landed a flurry of hits on her opponent.”

   “The think piece provoked a flurry of media responses for the remainder of the week.”

verb

Etymology: Perhaps an American English blend of flutter and hurry. Alternatively, perhaps from an obsolete term flurr (“scatter”).

1. To agitate, bewilder, fluster.

   “And so venturing not to say another word, poor Jemima trotted off, exceedingly flurried and nervous.”

   “She was flurried by the term with which he had qualified her gentle friend, but she took the occasion for one to which she must in every manner lend herself.”

2. To move or fall in a flurry.