GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Flail (?), n. [L. flagellum whip, scourge, in LL., a threshing flail: cf. OF. flael, flaiel, F. fléau. 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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