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Flail: meaning, definitions and examples

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flail

 

[ fleɪl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

agriculture

A manual tool consisting of a long handle with a freely swinging stick or metal bar attached to the end, used for threshing grain.

Synonyms

beater, threshing tool

Examples of usage

  • The farmer used a flail to separate the wheat from the chaff.
  • She swung the flail back and forth to beat the grain out of the husks.
Context #2 | Noun

weapon

A medieval weapon consisting of a wooden handle with a spiked metal ball or chain attached to the end, used for striking opponents.

Synonyms

mace, morning star

Examples of usage

  • The knight wielded a flail in battle.
  • The flail was a fearsome weapon on the battlefield.
Context #3 | Verb

movement

To wave or swing wildly; to thrash around uncontrollably.

Synonyms

flounder, thrash

Examples of usage

  • The injured animal flailed its legs in pain.
  • She flailed her arms in frustration.

Translations

Translations of the word "flail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mangual

🇮🇳 फ्लेल

🇩🇪 Dreschflegel

🇮🇩 palu

🇺🇦 ціп

🇵🇱 cep

🇯🇵 連接棍

🇫🇷 fléau

🇪🇸 mayal

🇹🇷 döver

🇰🇷 도리깨

🇸🇦 مذراة

🇨🇿 cep

🇸🇰 cep

🇨🇳 连枷

🇸🇮 mlatič

🇮🇸 þreskivél

🇰🇿 шоқпар

🇬🇪 მარჯვენა

🇦🇿 çırpıcı

🇲🇽 mayal

Word origin

The word 'flail' originated from the Old English word 'flegil', which in turn came from the Proto-Germanic 'flagilaz'. The use of flails in agriculture dates back to ancient times, with evidence of their use found in various cultures around the world. In medieval times, the flail was also adapted as a weapon for combat. The verb form of 'flail' developed from the idea of wild, uncontrolled movement, reflecting the swinging action of the tool or weapon.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,425, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.