[ fleɪl ]
■ noun 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.
■ verb
1》 swing or wave wildly.
2》 ( ~ around/about ) flounder; struggle.
3》 beat; flog.
Origin
OE, of W. Gmc origin, based on L. flagellum (see flagellum ).