flail
/fleɪl/ · flay·l
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. The farmer used a flail to separate the wheat from the chaff.
- A weapon which has the (usually spherical) striking part attached to the handle with a flexible joint such as a chain. The knight wielded a flail in battle, its chain whirling as he swung it.
verb
- To beat using a flail or similar implement. The farmer flailed the wheat to separate the grain from the stalks.
- To wave or swing vigorously. She flailed her arms to get the attention of the lifeguard.
- To thresh. The machine flailed the grain, separating it from the chaff.
Did you know? The word 'flail' is often associated with the medieval flail, a weapon used by knights in battle, which was also used for threshing grain in peacetime.