v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. make a sudden whiplike movement with a limb or flexible instrument.
2 tr. beat with a whip, rope, etc.
3 intr. pour or rush with great force.
4 intr. (foll. by at, against) strike violently.
5 tr. castigate in words.
6 tr. urge on as with a lash.
7 tr. (foll. by down, together, etc.) fasten with a cord, rope, etc.
8 tr. (of rain, wind, etc.) beat forcefully upon.
--n.
1. a a sharp blow made by a whip, rope, etc. b (prec. by the) punishment by beating with a whip etc.
2 the flexible end of a whip.
3 (usu. in pl.) an eyelash.
Phrases and idioms:
lash out
1. speak or hit out angrily.
2 spend money extravagantly, be lavish. lash-up a makeshift or improvised structure or arrangement.
Derivatives:
lasher n. lashingly adv. (esp. in senses 4-5 of v.). lashless adj.
Etymology: ME: prob. imit.