EGAVE

flail

About 0.34 uses per million words.

Meaning

  1. noun A tool used for threshing, consisting of a long handle (handstock) with a shorter stick (swipple or swingle) attached with a short piece of chain, thong or similar material.
  2. noun A weapon which has the (usually spherical) striking part attached to the handle with a flexible joint such as a chain.
  3. noun Part of a rotating device, often used for cutting vegetation.
  4. verb To beat using a flail or similar implement.
  5. verb To wave or swing vigorously
  6. verb To thresh.
  7. verb To move like a flail.
    He was flailing wildly, but didn't land a blow.

Similar words

thresh thrash lam swingle swipple swiple swingstock swingel swing-stock strickle

Often followed by

chest and of segment about in the at or

Word family

flailed flailing flails

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