FLASH (3)

Flash, n.; pl. Flashes (�). 1. 1. A sudden burst of light; a flood of light instantaneously appearing and disappearing; a momentary blaze; as, a flash of lightning.
2. 2. A sudden and brilliant burst, as of wit or genius; a momentary brightness or show.
The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind. Shak. No striking sentiment, no flash of fancy. Wirt. 3. 3. The time during which a flash is visible; an instant; a very brief period.
The Persians and Macedonians had it for a flash. Bacon. 4. 4. A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for coloring and giving a fictitious strength to liquors.
Flash light, or Flashing light, a kind of light shown by lighthouses, produced by the revolution of reflectors, so as to show a flash of light every few seconds, alternating with periods of dimness. Knight. — Flash in the pan, the flashing of the priming in the pan of a flintlock musket without discharging the piece; hence, sudden, spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing.