01 n. 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 an…
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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.“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.“No citizen thought himself safe unless he carried under his coat a small flail, loaded with lead, to brain the Popish assassins.” — Macaulay.