flat

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

1) In cant language, a foolish fellow; a simpleton.--Worcester.


The London Times, of Sept. 5, 1847, in speaking of the letters of Mr. Tyler and Gen. Houston, showing by what means Texas was annexed to the United States, says:

Oh! Messrs. Tyler, Donelson, and the rest, what flats you are all made to appear, by this revelation from the man in the blanket coat!

2) In America this word is applied to low alluvial lands. "The Mohawk flats" is a term universally applied to the valley of the Mohawk river, on either side of which are alluvial lands. See Bottom Lands. It is also applied to river shoals, where they are of much extent.

3) A species of flat-bottomed boat, used on the Mississippi and other rivers.

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

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