FLAIL, an instrument for thrashing corn. It consists of the following parts. 1. The hand-staff, or piece held in the thrasher's hand. 2. The swible, or that part which strikes out the corn. 3. The caplins, or strong double leathers, made fast to the tops of the hand-staff and swible. 4. The middle band, being the leather thong or fish skin that ties the caplins together.