Definitions
An implement used to separate the fibres of flax by beating them; a scutch.
Word origin
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.
Used in a sentence
“(A flail swingle was a large wooden handle attached to a freeswinging stick, which was used in threshing grain.)”
“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.”
Source: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0
Used as a crossword answer2 curated clues
01“Flax beater”7 letters
02“Flax tool”7 letters
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