\Flail\, n. [L. flagellum whip, scourge, in LL., a
threshing flail: cf. OF. flael, flaiel, F. fl['e]au. 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.
         His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn. --Milton.
2. An ancient military weapon, like the common flail, often
   having the striking part armed with rows of spikes, or
   loaded. --Fairholt.
         No citizen thought himself safe unless he carried
         under his coat a small flail, loaded with lead, to
         brain the Popish assassins.           --Macaulay.