1. noun
a) A certain type of small woodpecker, especially of the genus Colaptes
b) An unsteady flash of light.
2. verb
a) To burn or shine unsteadily. To burn or shine with a wavering light.
There I lay on one side with a thin and rotten plank between the dead man and me, dazed with the blow to my head, and breathing hard; while the glow of torches as they came down the passage reddened and flickered on the roof above.
The ruddy brick floor smiled up at the smoky ceiling; the oaken settles, shiny with long wear, exchanged cheerful glances with each other; plates on the dresser grinned at pots on the shelf, and the merry firelight flickered and played over everything without distinction.
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