swingle

Meanings

1. An implement used to separate the fibres of flax by beating them; a scutch.
2. The swinging part of a flail, especially that which is used on the grain in threshing; the swipple.

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

1. To dangle; to wave hanging.
2. To swing for pleasure.

1. A surname.

Etymology

The noun is from Middle English swingel, from Old English swingel, swingelle (“whip, scourge”), equivalent to swing + -le. Related to Middle Dutch swingel, swengel, Dutch zwingel, zwengel. Doublet of swingel. The verb is from Middle English swingelen, from the noun. Related to Middle Dutch swingelen, swengelen.