flail
UK: fleɪl | US: fleɪl
n. a tool for threshing grain by hand, consisting of a wooden handle with a freely swinging stick attached
vt. to wave or swing wildly or uncontrollably
vi. to move erratically or violently
The word "flail" traces back to Old English fligel, derived from Late Latin flagellum (whip, scourge), itself from Latin flagellare (to whip). The morpheme "fl" carries the core meaning of striking or beating, seen in related words like "flog." The suffix "-ail" (via Old English -el) denotes a tool or instrument, emphasizing its functional use. Over time, "flail" evolved from a literal agricultural tool to also describe chaotic motion, metaphorically extending the idea of uncontrolled striking.
The farmer used a flail to separate wheat from chaff.
The injured bird began to flail its wings desperately.
His arms flailed wildly as he tried to keep balance.
The storm caused the branches to flail against the windows.
She flailed at the piñata with enthusiastic but aimless swings.