an instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle to one end of which is attached a freely swinging stick or bar.

a similar instrument used as a weapon of war.

to beat or swing with or as if with a flail.

verb

bash , batter , club , flog , hit , knock , lash , maltreat , pummel , slug , smack , smash , sock , thrash , thwack , whale , thresh , toss , beat , hit at , strike , swing , whip