*flounder*

n. [ Cf. Sw. flundra; akin to Dan. flynder, Icel. fly&unr_;ra, G. flunder, and perh. to E. flounder, v.i. ] 1. (Zool.) A flatfish of the family Pleuronectidæ, of many species. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The common English flounder is Pleuronectes flesus. There are several common American species used as food; as the smooth flounder (P. glabra); the rough or winter flounder (P. Americanus); the summer flounder, or plaice (Paralichthys dentatus), Atlantic coast; and the starry flounder (Pleuronectes stellatus). [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bootmaking) A tool used in crimping boot fronts. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Floundered p. pr. & vb. n. Floundering. ] [ Cf. D. flodderen to flap, splash through mire, E. flounce, v.i., and flounder the fish. ] To fling the limbs and body, as in making efforts to move; to struggle, as a horse in the mire, or as a fish on land; to roll, toss, and tumble; to flounce. [ 1913 Webster ]

They have floundered on from blunder to blunder. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of floundering. [ 1913 Webster ]