<P> The term flail refers to two different weapons : a long , two - handed infantry weapon with a cylindrical head , and a shorter weapon with a round metal striking head . The defining characteristic of both is that they involve a separate striking head attached to a handle by a flexible rope , strap , or chain . The chief tactical virtue of the flail was its capacity to strike around a defender 's shield or parry . Its chief liability was a lack of precision and the difficulty of using it in close combat , or closely ranked formations . </P>
<P> The term flail refers to two different weapons : a long , two - handed infantry weapon with a cylindrical head , and a shorter weapon with a round metal striking head . The defining characteristic of both is that they involve a separate striking head attached to a handle by a flexible rope , strap , or chain . The chief tactical virtue of the flail was its capacity to strike around a defender 's shield or parry . Its chief liability was a lack of precision and the difficulty of using it in close combat , or closely ranked formations . </P>
what is the weapon with the ball and chain
what is the weapon with the ball and chain
flail
flail