swingle

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   An implement used to separate the fibres of flax by beating them

   An implement used to separate the fibres of flax by beating them; a scutch.

2. 2

   The swinging part of a flail, especially that which is used on the grain in threshing

   The swinging part of a flail, especially that which is used on the grain in threshing; the swipple.

   • The pole of the Chinese flail is roughly 90 cm. long, the swingle about 30 cm. in length, joined to the pole by a wooden axle projecting at right-angles from the top of the swingle and passing through a loop at the top of the pole[…]
   • (A flail swingle was a large wooden handle attached to a freeswinging stick, which was used in threshing grain.)
   • Once cut into the correct size and shape, the handle of the flail, dumb in bendum 'unspeaking in bonds' (6b), is attached to the swingle or swipple, the swinging part of the flail, with a cord, rope, or chain tied through the hole or[…]
3. 3

   To beat or flog, especially for extracting the fibres from flax stalks

   To beat or flog, especially for extracting the fibres from flax stalks; to scutch.

   • The instruments necessary to swingle flax are, a tressel, and a swingle.
   • The first operation in dressing flax is to swingle or beat it, in order to detach it from the harle or skimps.
4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To dangle

      To dangle; to wave hanging.

   2. 5

      To swing for pleasure.

   3. 6

      A surname.

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