flail etymology

Etymology:

  • From Middle English flailen, from Old English flæglan "to beat, thrash," from Proto-Germanic *flaikjanan, *flagōn (source also of Old Norse flagga "to wave, flutter," Old High German fleigon "to fly"), from Proto-Indo-European *plē- "to swing, brandish."

Meaning:

  • To wave or brandish wildly, especially in anger or frustration.
  • To strike repeatedly with a flail or whip.
  • To swing or toss about in a loose or uncontrolled manner.
  • To thrash or beat severely.

Origin:

The word "flail" originated from the Old English term "flæglan," which meant "to beat or thrash." This term is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic root *flaikjanan, *flagōn, which also gave rise to the Old Norse word "flagga" (to wave or flutter) and the Old High German word "fleigon" (to fly).

The Proto-Indo-European root *plē- suggests that the concept of "flailing" or "swinging" is deeply embedded in the history of human language and has been used to describe various actions involving movement and force.

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