Fly By Night Tapestries
Description: When 'fly-by-night' was first coined in the 18th century, it was with a different meaning from that of today. A 'fly-by'night' was a term for a witch. "You old fly-by-night" was a phrase of reproach to an old woman, signifying that she was a witch, and alluding to the nocturnal excursions attributed to witches, who were supposed to fly abroad to their meetings, mounted on brooms. The modern definition is much different, as 'fly-by-night' is now used in reference to someone who attempts to evade responsibilities or debts by absconding under cover of darkness. Today, 'fly-by-night' is applied to any person or business of a poor 'here today; gone tomorrow' reputation, but can also be used in reference to someone who operates on the sly.
