From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishflayflay /fleɪ/ verb [transitive] 1 formalCRITICIZE to criticize someone very severely She was well-known for flaying public officials in her daily column.2 literaryHIT to whip or beat someone very severely3 formal to remove the skin from an animal or person, especially one that is dead→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
flay• In art, he is often depicted flayed.• None is decayed, but each has been carefully flayed.• Words that flayed and scorched coming from her lips.• He dragged on the reins and drew the buggy around, flaying the horse with his whip.• Congressmen have flayed the President for neglecting domestic issues.Origin flay Old English flean 