Definitions for flailfleɪl
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
flailfleɪl(n.)
an instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle to one end of which is attached a freely swinging stick or bar.
(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
flail(verb)
an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing
thrash, thresh, lam, flail(verb)
give a thrashing to; beat hard
flail, thresh(verb)
move like a flail; thresh about
"Her arms were flailing"
Wiktionary
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.
flail(Noun)
A weapon which has the (usually spherical) striking part attached to the handle with a flexible joint such as a chain.
flail(Verb)
To beat using a flail or similar implement.
flail(Verb)
To wave or swing vigorously
flail(Verb)
To thresh.
Origin: flael, from flagellum, diminutive of flagrum.
Webster Dictionary
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
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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