flail
Noun · VerbWordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Flail \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. [1913 Webster]
His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
2.An ancient military weapon, like the common flail, often having the striking part armed with rows of spikes, or loaded. --Fairholt. [1913 Webster]
No citizen thought himself safe unless he carried under his coat a small flail, loaded with lead, to brain the Popish assassins.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]