Flitter
/ˈflɪt.ər/noun
To move lightly and quickly with small, irregular motions; to flutter or flicker.
Did you know?Flitter is ultimately tied to a Germanic base for “flutter” and “flicker,” the same ancient motion-word family behind several other quick, restless verbs in English.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*fleut- / *flt-
“A base expressing light, quick movement or fluttering motion.”
Old English
OE
flitterian
“To flutter, move lightly, or flit about.”
Middle English
ME
fliteren
“To move or flutter quickly and lightly; to quiver or flicker.”
Early Modern English
English
flitter
“To flutter, move in a light restless way, or flash briefly.”
Modern English
English
flitter
“To move lightly and quickly with small, irregular motions; to flutter or flicker.”