Main Entry: flay

Pronunciation: \ˈflā\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English flen, from Old English flēan; akin to Old Norse flā to flay, Lithuanian plėšti to tear

Date: before 12th century

1 : to strip off the skin or surface of : skin
2 : to criticize harshly : excoriate
3 : lash 1b <the wind whipped up to gale fury, flaying his face — Richard Kent>