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. [ 1913 Webster ]

His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An ancient military weapon, like the common flail, often having the striking part armed with rows of spikes, or loaded. Fairholt. [ 1913 Webster ]

No citizen thought himself safe unless he carried under his coat a small flail, loaded with lead, to brain the Popish assassins. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Acting like a flail. [ Obs. ] Vicars. [ 1913 Webster ]