flense

[flens] /flɛns/
verb (used with object), flensed, flensing.
1.
to strip the blubber or the skin from (a whale, seal, etc.).
2.
to strip off (blubber or skin).
Also, flench [flench] /flɛntʃ/ (Show IPA), flinch.
Origin
1805-15; < Danish flense or Dutch flensen
Related forms
flenser, noun
British Dictionary definitions for flense

flense

/flɛns/
verb
1.
(transitive) to strip (a whale, seal, etc) of (its blubber or skin)
Derived Forms
flenser, flencher, flincher, noun
Word Origin
C19: from Danish flense; related to Dutch flensen
Word Origin and History for flense
v.

also flench, 1814, from Danish flense, perhaps from PIE root *(s)plei- "to splice, split." Related: Flenser; flensing.