flail
/fleɪl/
noun
- A farming tool with a long handle and a shorter swinging stick, used for threshing grain.
- The museum displayed an old wooden flail used by early settlers.
- The farmer used a flail to separate the wheat from the chaff.
- In medieval times, the flail was a common tool on every farm.
- A weapon similar to the farming tool, consisting of a spiked or heavy head attached to a handle by a chain.
- In the video game, the character wielded a flaming flail.
- The knight carried a flail into battle, swinging it at his enemies.
- The flail was a brutal weapon that could strike around shields.
verb
- To wave or swing wildly, often in a clumsy or uncontrolled way.
- He flailed at the swarm of bees with his hat.
- The toddler flailed his arms when he was upset.
- She flailed in the water, trying to keep her head above the surface.
- To struggle or move in a desperate, uncoordinated manner.
- He flailed through the thick mud, losing his balance.
- The trapped bird flailed against the window.
- The fish flailed on the deck before the fisherman released it.