flyblown

adjective

fly·​blown ˈflī-ˌblōn 

1

a

: not pure : tainted

a world flyblown with the vices of irresponsible power

—V. L. Parrington

b

: not bright and new : seedy, moth-eaten

c

: trite, hackneyed

a long list of flyblown metaphors

—Horizon

2

a

: infested with eggs or young larvae of a flesh fly or blowfly

b

: covered with flyspecks

Did you know?

One meaning of blow (used mostly, it seems, by 17th century entomologists) is "to deposit eggs or larvae on"-hence the blowfly, which lays its eggs on meat or wounds. Flyblown has its origins in the very unpleasant image of a blowfly's victim, and it's from this literal meaning that the more common senses come. Phrases such as flyblown shack and flyblown restaurant still suggest the actual presence of flies, if not necessarily their embryonic precursors.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

But in the Central African Republic, Russia already has its way, with scant Western reaction, and in the flyblown mayhem of its capital, Bangui, a different kind of Russian victory is already on display. —Roger Cohen Mauricio Lima, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

flyblown

adjective

fly·​blown ˈflī-ˌblōn 

: not pure : tainted, corrupt

Medical Definition

flyblown

adjective

fly·​blown -ˌblōn 

1

: infested with flyblows

2

: covered with flyspecks