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. 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. A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for coloring
and giving a fictious 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.