flea

noun

1. A small, wingless, parasitic insect of the order Siphonaptera, renowned for its bloodsucking habits and jumping abilities.
2. (derogatory)A thing of no significance.

   “The nation of beggars on horseback which first colonized California has left behind it many traditions unworthy of conservation, and multitudinous fleas not at all traditional, but even less keepworthy […]”

verb

1. (transitive)To remove fleas from (an animal).

   “I have seen a Lubra, or native woman, suckling two puppies; and, like monkeys, these ladies have a particular fancy for fleaing their dogs.”

2. (alt-of, obsolete)Obsolete spelling of flay.

   “[…] he'd flea me alive like another St Bartholomew.”

   “In this Thwackum had the advantage; for while Square could only scarify the poor lad's reputation, he could flea his skin […]”