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fly-by-night (n.)1796, slang, said by Grose to be an old term of reproach to a woman signifying that she was a witch; used from 1823 in reference to anyone who departs hastily from a recent activity, especially while owing money. The different senses involve the two verbs fly. Advertisement
fled past tense and past participle of flee (q.v.) and fly (v.2). Advertisement
superfly (adj.)"excellent, superior," 1971, originally African-American vernacular, from super- + slang sense of fly (adj.). flywheel (n.)also fly-wheel, "heavy-rimmed revolving wheel to regulate motion," 1784, from fly (n.) "speed-regulating device" (1590s, from fly (v.1)) + wheel (n.). horsefly (n.)also horse-fly, type of insect extremely annoying to horses and cattle, late 14c., from horse (n.) + fly (n.). flypaper (n.)also fly-paper, 1851 (the thing itself is said to have become commonly available in London in 1848), from fly (n.1) + paper (n.).