Pronunciation: [flˈɪt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The word "flitch" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /flɪtʃ/. The first two letters "fl" represent the sound made when the top teeth touch the bottom lip and air is forced through, resulting in a "f" sound. The "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, and the "tch" is pronounced with one sound, like "ch" in the word "church". In terms of meaning, a flitch refers to a slab of bacon or timber that has been cut lengthwise.
Flitch can have multiple meanings depending on the context it is used in. Below is a dictionary definition that covers the most common usage of the word:
Flitch (noun):
1. A thick slice or side of cured bacon or salted meat cut from the side of a hog.
2. A rectangular wooden beam or plank, typically used for construction or as part of a timber frame.
3. (Archaic) A plank or slab of timber, typically used for making furniture or other wooden items.
4. (Archaic) A measure of wood, usually cut into thin slices for veneering or other purposes.
Flitch (verb):
1. (Archaic) To cut or carve into flitches or thin slices, especially in woodworking.
2. (British dialect) To take or steal something, such as pilfering or appropriating an object dishonestly.
The term "flitch" originated from Middle English "flicche," deriving from Old English "flicce," meaning a piece of flesh. Today, it mainly refers to a slice of cured meat, particularly bacon, commonly used in culinary contexts. However, it can also denote a wooden plank used in construction or furniture-making. In archaic usage, the word has been employed to describe various forms of sliced or cut wood. In verb form, "flitch" can refer to cutting or carving wood into thin slices or, in older British dialects, to stealing or taking something dishonestly.
The side of a hog salted and cured.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "flitch" originated from the Old English word "flicce". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "flikkjon", which means "side of bacon or ham". In turn, this word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "plei-", meaning "to flow" or "to float". This can be seen in how strips of bacon or ham were often hung or suspended to dry or smoke. Over time, the meaning of "flitch" expanded to refer to a slab or a cut of meat, particularly bacon or salted pork.
