flail

To flail is defined as to wave or swing about wildly or to flounder.

(verb)

When you wave your arms around wildly, this is an example of flail.

The definition of a flail is a farm tool that is a long-handled stick that is swung to thresh grain.

(noun)

An example of a flail is a tool used to toss grain up in the air.

See flail in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a farm tool consisting of a free-swinging stick tied to the end of a long handle, used to thresh grain

Origin: ME fleil < OFr flaiel & OE *flegel, both < L flagellum, a whip, scourge: see flagellate

transitive verb, intransitive verb

See flail in American Heritage Dictionary 4

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

verb, transitive

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

verb, intransitive

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

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English flegil

Origin: and from Old French flaiel

Origin: , both from Late Latin flagellum, threshing tool

Origin: , from Latin flagrum, whip

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