Definitions for flailfleɪl

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

flailfleɪl(n.)

  1. an instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle to one end of which is attached a freely swinging stick or bar.

  2. (v.i.)to beat or swing with or as if with a flail.

Origin of flail:

bef. 1100; ME fleil, OE flighel. See flagellum

Princeton's WordNet

  1. flail(verb)

    an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing

  2. thrash, thresh, lam, flail(verb)

    give a thrashing to; beat hard

  3. flail, thresh(verb)

    move like a flail; thresh about

    "Her arms were flailing"

Wiktionary

  1. flail(Noun)

    A tool used for threshing, consisting of a long handle with a shorter stick attached with a short piece of chain, thong or similar material.

  2. flail(Noun)

    A weapon which has the (usually spherical) striking part attached to the handle with a flexible joint such as a chain.

  3. flail(Verb)

    To beat using a flail or similar implement.

  4. flail(Verb)

    To wave or swing vigorously

  5. flail(Verb)

    To thresh.

  6. Origin: flael, from flagellum, diminutive of flagrum.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Flail(noun)

    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

  2. Flail(noun)

    an ancient military weapon, like the common flail, often having the striking part armed with rows of spikes, or loaded


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