Flewe

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. The prominent, hanging lips or jowl area, especially of hounds or mastiffs, in older English usage
  2. Describes the loose, overhanging part of a dog's upper lip, now rarely used except in reference to breeds with noticeable jowls
  3. An antiquated term for the fleshy, drooping lips seen in some dogs, particular to breeds with pronounced muzzles

Etymology: The word "flewe" is an archaic English term that once referred to the nostrils or the external openings of the nose. Its primary use can be traced back to Middle English, where it appeared as "flewe" or "flew," designating the fleshy rim around the nostrils in animals and sometimes humans. This term was particularly common in veterinary contexts, describing the movable flaps of the nostrils in horses and other livestock. The origin of the word lies in Old English "flēa," though the exact roots are somewhat obscure. It likely connects to Germanic languages where similar forms appear, possibly related to words denoting blowing or breathing, as the nostrils are the passageways for air. However, unlike many anatomical terms inherited directly from Latin or Greek, this word seems to be a more vernacular and descriptive term arising within English and its close relatives. Usage of the term declined significantly by the Early Modern English period, as more anatomical and scientific terminology entered the language. The rise of words derived from Latin, such as "nostril" (from Old English "nosthyrl," itself from "nose" + "thirl" meaning hole or aperture), gradually supplanted "flewe." Today, it survives only in historical texts or specialized discussions of old veterinary or anatomical language. The shift away from "flewe" illustrates a broader trend in English where everyday terms for parts of the body often gave way to more standardized or Latinate forms during the Renaissance and later scientific revolutions. This transition reflects changing attitudes toward medicine, anatomy, and language precision, with older, more colloquial terms falling out of common use.