flourish

—flourisher, n.

/flerr"ish, flur"-/, v.i.

1. to be in a vigorous state; thrive: a period in which art flourished.

2. to be in its or in one's prime; be at the height of fame, excellence, influence, etc.

3. to be successful; prosper.

4. to grow luxuriantly, or thrive in growth, as a plant.

5. to make dramatic, sweeping gestures: Flourish more when you act out the king's great death scene.

6. to add embellishments and ornamental lines to writing, letters, etc.

7. to sound a trumpet call or fanfare.

v.t.

8. to brandish dramatically; gesticulate with: a conductor flourishing his baton for the crescendo.

9. to decorate or embellish (writing, a page of script, etc.) with sweeping or fanciful curves or lines.

n.

10. an act or instance of brandishing.

11. an ostentatious display.

12. a decoration or embellishment, esp. in writing: He added a few flourishes to his signature.

13. Rhet. a parade of fine language; an expression used merely for effect.

14. a trumpet call or fanfare.

15. a condition or period of thriving: in full flourish.

[1250-1300; ME florisshen < MF floriss-, long s. of florir L florere to bloom, deriv. of flos FLOWER]

Syn. 1. grow, increase. See succeed. 9. ornament. 12. ornament, adornment.

Ant. 1. fade, decline.

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