intransitive verb

1. Obsolete to blossom
2. to grow vigorously; succeed; thrive; prosper
3. to be at the peak of development, activity, influence, production, etc.; be in one's prime
4. to make showy, wavy motions, as of the arms
5. Now Rare
   1. to write in an ornamental style
   2. to perform a fanfare, as of trumpets

Etymology: ME florishen < extended stem of OFr florir, to blossom < LL *florire < L florere < flos, flower

transitive verb

1. to ornament with something flowery or fanciful

2. Etymology: first so used by John Wycliffe

   to wave (a sword, arm, hat, etc.) in the air; brandish

noun

1. Rare a thriving state; success; prosperity
2. anything done in a showy way, as a sweeping movement of the limbs or body
3. a waving in the air; brandishing
4. a decorative or curved line or lines in handwriting
5. an ornate musical passage; fanfare
6. Obsolete a blooming or a bloom