an instrument for thrashing corn, consisting, first, of the hand-staff, or piece held in the thrasher's hand; secondly, of the swiple, or that part which strikes out the corn; thirdly, of the caplins, or strong double leathers, made fast to the tops of the hand-staff and swiple; and, fourthly, of the middle band, being the leather thong or fish skin that ties the caplins together.