fletch

Fletch is a term that can refer to several things, primarily related to archery and a fictional character. In archery, a fletch is the fin-like stabilizer, typically made of feathers or plastic vanes, attached to the rear of an arrow shaft. Its purpose is to impart spin and stabilize the arrow's flight, ensuring greater accuracy. The number and placement of fletchings can vary depending on the type of archery and the arrow's intended use.

The most widely known association with "Fletch" is the character Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher, the protagonist of a series of comedic crime novels by Gregory Mcdonald and their subsequent film adaptations. The character is an investigative journalist known for his irreverent attitude, disguises, and often unconventional methods in uncovering stories. The first film, released in 1985 and starring Chevy Chase, became a cult classic. A sequel, "Fletch Lives," was released in 1989. The character's name itself is often used to describe a witty, resourceful, and somewhat rogue individual. The term might also be used colloquially to describe the act of attaching fletchings to an arrow.