/flayl/ , n.
1. an instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle to one end of which is attached a freely swinging stick or bar.
2. a similar instrument used as a weapon of war.
v.t. , v.i.
3. to beat or swing with or as if with a flail.
[ bef. 1100; ME fleil (n.), OE flighel (prob. misspelling of * flegil ), c. D vlegel, G Flegel flagil- flagellum flail, L: whip, scourge. See FLAGELLUM ]