—n. Trivial lie. —v. (-bb-) tell a fib. fibber n. [perhaps from fible-fable, a reduplication of *fable]

suffix (usu. As -ific) forming adjectives meaning ‘producing’, ‘making’ (prolific; pacific). [latin facio make]

int. Archaic expressing disgust, shame, etc. [french from latin]

Abbr. Figure.

- Abbr. Figure.

- n. - soft pulpy fruit with many seeds.

- (in full fig-tree) tree bearing figs. not care (or give) a fig not care at all. [latin ficus]

- n. - dress or equipment (in full fig).

- condition or form (in good fig). [obsolete feague: related to *fake]

- n. - dress or equipment (in full fig).

- condition or form (in good fig). [obsolete feague: related to *fake]

n. - (usu. Thin) flat external organ of esp. Fish, for propelling, steering, etc. (dorsal fin).

- similar stabilizing projection on an aircraft, car, etc.

- underwater swimmer's flipper. finned adj. [old english]

n. - (in full fir-tree) evergreen coniferous tree with needles growing singly on the stems.

- its wood. firry adj. [old norse]

—adj. (fitter, fittest) 1 a well suited. B qualified, competent, worthy. C in suitable condition, ready. D (foll. By for) good enough (fit for a king).

- in good health or condition.

- proper, becoming, right (it is fit that). —v. (-tt-) 1 a (also absol.) Be of the right shape and size for (dress fits her; key doesn't fit). B (often foll. By in, into) be correctly positioned (that bit fits here). C find room for (fit another on here).

- make suitable or competent; adapt (fitted for battle).

- (usu. Foll. By with) supply.

- fix in place (fit a lock on the door).

- = fit on.

- befit, become (it fits the occasion). —n. Way in which a garment, component, etc., fits (tight fit). —adv. (foll. By to + infin.) Colloq. So that; likely (laughing fit to bust). fit the bill = fill the bill. Fit in 1 (often foll. By with) be compatible; accommodate (tried to fit in with their plans).

- find space or time for (dentist fitted me in). Fit on try on (a garment). Fit out (or up) (often foll. By with) equip. See (or think) fit (often foll. By to + infin.) Decide or choose (a specified action). fitly adv. Fitness n. [origin unknown]

- n. - sudden esp. Epileptic seizure with unconsciousness or convulsions.

- sudden brief bout or burst (fit of giggles; fit of coughing). by (or in) fits and starts spasmodically. Have a fit colloq. Be greatly surprised or outraged. In fits laughing uncontrollably. [old english]

—v. - make firm or stable; fasten, secure.

- decide, settle, specify (a price, date, etc.).

- mend, repair.

- implant in the mind.

- a (foll. By on, upon) direct (the eyes etc.) Steadily, set. B attract and hold (the attention, eyes, etc.). C (foll. By with) single out with one's look etc.

- place definitely, establish.

- determine the exact nature, position, etc., of; refer (a thing) to a definite place or time; identify, locate.

- a make (the eyes, features, etc.) Rigid. B (of eyes, features, etc.) Become rigid.

- us colloq. Prepare (food or drink). 10 congeal or become congealed. 11 colloq. Punish, kill, deal with (a person). 12 colloq. A bribe or threaten into supporting. B gain a fraudulent result of (a race etc.). 13 slang inject a narcotic. 14 make (a colour, photographic image, etc.) Fast or permanent. 15 (of a plant etc.) Assimilate (nitrogen or carbon dioxide). —n. - colloq. Dilemma, predicament.

- a finding one's position by bearings etc. B position found in this way.

- slang dose of an addictive drug. be fixed (usu. Foll. By for) colloq. Be situated (regarding) (how is he fixed for money?). Fix on (or upon) choose, decide on. Fix up 1 arrange, organize.

- accommodate.

- (often foll. By with) provide (a person) (fixed me up with a job). fixable adj. [latin figo fix-]

n. Colloq. Influenza. [abbreviation]

in the ointment n. Minor irritation or setback.

- on the wall n. Unnoticed observer.

- —v. (flies; past flew; past part. Flown) 1 a (of an aircraft, bird, etc.) Move through the air or space under control, esp. With wings. B travel through the air or space.

- control the flight of or transport in (esp. An aircraft).

- a cause to fly or remain aloft. B (of a flag, hair, etc.) Wave or flutter.

- pass, move, or rise quickly.

- a flee; flee from. B colloq. Depart hastily.

- be driven, forced, or scattered (sent me flying).

- (foll. By at, upon) a hasten or spring violently. B attack or criticize fiercely. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (usu. In pl.) A concealing flap, esp. Over a trouser-fastening. B this fastening.

- flap at a tent entrance.

- (in pl.) Space above a stage where scenery and lighting are suspended.

- act of flying. fly high be ambitious; prosper. Fly in the face of disregard or disobey. Fly a kite test opinion. Fly off the handle colloq. Lose one's temper. [old english]

- n. (pl. Flies) 1 insect with two usu. Transparent wings.

- other winged insect, e.g. A firefly.

- disease of plants or animals caused by flies.

- (esp. Artificial) fly as bait in fishing. like flies in large numbers (usu. Of people dying etc.). No flies on (him etc.) Colloq. (he is) very astute. [old english]

- adj. Slang knowing, clever, alert. [origin unknown]