单词 | flail |
释义 | flail ![]() n. A manual threshing device consisting of a long wooden handle or staff and a shorter, free-swinging stick attached to its end. v. flailed, flail·ing, flails v.tr. 1. To beat or strike with or as if with a flail: flailed our horses with the reins. 2. To wave or swing vigorously; thrash: flailed my arms to get their attention. 3. To thresh using a flail. v.intr. 1. To move vigorously or erratically; thrash about: arms flailing helplessly in the water. 2. To strike or lash out violently: boxers flailing at each other in the ring. 3. To make energetic but aimless or or ineffectual efforts: "As the end of law school approached, Hill flailed briefly in numerous professional directions" (Molly Worthen). 4. To thresh grain. [Middle English, from Old English flegil and from Old French flaiel, both from Late Latin flagellum, threshing tool, from Latin flagrum, whip.] |
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