ETYM Old Eng. flai, flaw flake; cf. Swed. flaga flaw, crack, breach, flake, Dutch vlaag gust of wind, Norw. flage, flaag, and Eng. flag a flat stone.
1. A crack or breach; a gap or fissure; a defect of continuity or fabrication.
2. A defect; a fault.
3. A shortcoming, especially in moral character.