Category:Fluke

Fluke, n. Etym: [Cf. LG. flunk, flunka wing, the palm of an anchor; perh. akin to E. fly.]

1. The part of an anchor which fastens in the ground; a flook. See Anchor.

2. (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of the lobes of a whale's tail, so called from the resemblance to the fluke of an anchor.

3. An instrument for cleaning out a hole drilled in stone for blasting.

4. An accidental and favorable stroke at billiards (called a scratch in the United States); hence, any accidental or unexpected advantage; as, he won by a fluke. [Cant, Eng.] A. Trollope.