flail
/fleɪl/ verb C2- To beat using a flail or similar implement.
- To wave or swing vigorously
- To thresh.
- To move like a flail. · He was flailing wildly, but didn't land a blow.
He/she/it flails · Past flailed · Past participle flailed · -ing form flailing
Verb forms
- Base form
- flail
- He/she/it
- flails
- Past
- flailed
- Past participle
- flailed
- -ing form
- flailing
From the library
Others proposed the anguille, another kind of recreation, in which a handkerchief is filled with sand, pebbles, and two-sous pieces, when they have them, which the wretches beat like a flail over the head and shoulders of the unhappy sufferer.
My ankles wobbled uncontrollably, and my arms flailed in a desperate attempt to maintain balance while small children glided effortlessly past me.
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