Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Flicker \Flick"er\ (-[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Flickered}
   (-[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Flickering}.] [OE. flikeren,
   flekeren, to flutter, AS. flicerian, flicorian, cf. D.
   flikkeren to sparkle. [root]84. Cf. Flacker.]
   1. To flutter; to flap the wings without flying.

            And flickering on her nest made short essays to
            sing.                                 --Dryden.

   2. To waver unsteadily, like a flame in a current of air, or
      when about to expire; as, the flickering light.

            The shadows flicker to fro.           --Tennyson.