/
fleɪl/
n.
a threshing tool consisting of a wooden staff with a short heavy stick swinging from it.
▸a similar device used as a weapon or for flogging.
v.
- swing or wave wildly.
-
(flail around/about)
flounder; struggle.
- beat; flog.
Etymology
OE, of W. Gmc origin, based on L. flagellum (see flagellum).
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