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Synonyms
flail (flāl)

[Middle English, from Old English flegil, and from Old French flaiel, both from Late Latin flagellum, threshing tool, from Latin flagrum, whip.]

noun 

A manual threshing device consisting of a long wooden handle or staff and a shorter, free-swinging stick attached to its end.

verb: flailed, flail·ing, flails. 

transitive verb 

  1. To beat or strike with or as if with a flail: flailed our horses with the reins.
  2. To wave or swing vigorously; thrash: flailed my arms to get their attention.
  3. To thresh using a flail.

intransitive verb 

  1. To move vigorously or erratically; thrash about: arms flailing helplessly in the water.
  2. To strike or lash out violently: boxers flailing at each other in the ring.
  3. To thresh grain.