Found 2 items, similar to flail.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: flail flail n : an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing v 1: give a thrashing to; beat hard [syn: thrash, thresh, lam] 2: move like a flail; thresh about; “Her arms were flailing” [syn: thresh]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Flail 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]