1. a tool used for threshing grain, consisting of a wooden handle with a shorter stick attached by leather or chain
Usage: historical

1. to wave or swing wildly
2. to beat with or as if with a flail

Examples

• The farmer used a flail to separate grain from wheat stalks.
• She flailed her arms trying to keep her balance on the ice.
• The swimmer flailed desperately in the rough water.
• He flailed about wildly when he saw the spider.
• The child flailed his legs while having a tantrum.
• The branches flailed in the strong wind.