Definition of: flinch

(flinch) v.i.
1. To shrink back, as from pain or danger; waver; wince.
2. In croquet, to allow the foot to slip from one's ball during the action of driving an opponent's ball from the field of play.
—noun Any act of shrinking back, wavering, or wincing. [<OF flenchir, var. of flechier bend; ult. origin uncertain]
—flinch′er noun
—flinch′ing·ly adverb