fleddern

• IPA^(key): /ˈflɛdɐn/

Said to be from thieves’ cant (Rotwelsch) fladdern (“to wash”). On the face of it, identity with etymology 2 below might also be considerable. (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

fleddern (weak, third-person singular present fleddert, past tense fledderte, past participle gefleddert, auxiliary haben)

1. to steal (clothes, valuables) from someone helpless, especially a corpse, but also a drunk person etc.

• Leichenfledderer

• fladern

From Middle High German vlëderen (“to flutter”), older byform of vladeren, whence modern flattern (“to flutter”).

fleddern (weak, third-person singular present fleddert, past tense fledderte, past participle gefleddert, auxiliary haben)

1. (rare or regional) to hurl, fling, especially a book or similar object that flutters during its movement

   Synonyms: schleudern, schmeißen, herumwerfen

   • 2021, Pit Ferman, Schaafskind, Twentysix, page 57:

     Ein kräftiger auflandiger Wind fledderte die dünnen Wände von ungefähr zwanzig einfachen Campingzelten, die wahllos über das Gelände verteilt standen.

     A strong landward wind shook up the thin sides of about twenty simple camping tents, which stood randomly scattered over the area.

• fledern

• zerfleddern

• flattern
• Fledermaus