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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
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His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn. --Milton.
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2. An ancient military weapon, like the common flail, often
having the striking part armed with rows of spikes, or
loaded. --Fairholt.
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No citizen thought himself safe unless he carried
under his coat a small flail, loaded with lead, to
brain the Popish assassins. --Macaulay.
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