Definitions for: Flail


[n] an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing
[v] give a thrashing to; beat hard
[v] move like a flail; thresh about; "Her arms were flailing"



Webster (1913) Definition: Flail, n. [L. flagellum whip, scourge, in LL., a
threshing flail: cf. OF. flael, flaiel, F. fl['e]au. See
Flagellum.]
1. An instrument for threshing or beating grain from the ear
by hand, consisting of a wooden staff or handle, at the
end of which a stouter and shorter pole or club, called a
swipe, is so hung as to swing freely.

His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn. --Milton.

2. An ancient military weapon, like the common flail, often
having the striking part armed with rows of spikes, or
loaded. --Fairholt.

No citizen thought himself safe unless he carried
under his coat a small flail, loaded with lead, to
brain the Popish assassins. --Macaulay.

Synonyms: lam, thrash, thresh, thresh

See Also: beat, beat, beat up, flap, implement, work over

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