lash

Etymology 1

From Middle English lashe, lasshe, lasche (“a stroke; the flexible end of a whip”), from Proto-Germanic *laskô (“flap of fabric, strap”). Cognate with Dutch lasch, las (“a piece; seal; joint; notch; seam”), German Low German Laske, Lask (“a flap; dag; strap”), German Lasche (“a flap; joint; strap; tongue; scarf”), Swedish lask (“scarf”), Icelandic laski (“the bottom part of a glove”).

noun

1. The thong or braided cord of a whip, with which the blow is given.
2. (obsolete) A leash in which an animal is caught or held; hence, a snare.
3. A stroke with a whip, or anything pliant and tough, often given as a punishment.
   The culprit received thirty-nine lashes.
4. A quick and violent sweeping movement, as of an animal's tail; a swish.
5. A stroke of satire or sarcasm; an expression or retort that cuts or gives pain; a cut.
6. A hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash.
   But Richmond, his grandfather's darling, after one thoughtful glance cast under his lashes at that uncompromising countenance appeared to lose himself in his own reflections. 1959, Georgette Heyer, chapter 1, in The Unknown Ajax
7. In carpet weaving, a group of strings for lifting simultaneously certain yarns, to form the figure.
8. (Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, informal) An attempt; a go at something.
   I'll have a lash.
   Much-loved characters living on after their author’s death is not so unusual these days. Every second bloke in possession of a keyboard seems to have had a lash at a James Bond thriller, including Kingsley Amis, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, Jeffery Deaver, William Boyd, Anthony Horowitz, Christopher Wood and Sebastian Faulks. 2021-08-28, Grant Smithies, “The Dark Remains: Ian Rankin's 'terrifying' return”, in Stuff
   I felt I’d go out and grab the bull by the horns and give it a good lash and I’m very pleased to come away with second in my very first Diamond League final. 2022-09-09, Cathal Dennehy, “Ciara Mageean shines in Diamond League to claim second”, in Irish Examiner

verb

1. (transitive) To strike with a lash; to whip or scourge with a lash, or with something like one.
2. (transitive) To strike forcibly and quickly, as with a lash; to beat, or beat upon, with a motion like that of a lash.
   Carlo Ancelotti's out-of-sorts team struggled to hit the target in the first half as Bolton threatened with Matthew Taylor lashing just wide. December 29, 2010, Chris Whyatt, “Chelsea 1 - 0 Bolton”, in BBC
3. (transitive) To throw out with a jerk or quickly.
4. (transitive) To scold; or to satirize; to censure with severity.
5. (intransitive) To ply the whip; to strike.
6. (intransitive) To strike vigorously; to let fly.
   In the final minute of six added on, Colombia would undo their good work, though, Pérez fumbling the ball allowing Hemp to lash into the empty net. 2023-08-12, Suzanne Wrack, “England hit back to beat Colombia and set up World Cup semi with Australia”, in The Guardian
7. (intransitive) To utter censure or sarcastic language.
8. (intransitive, of rain) To fall heavily, especially in the phrase lash down.
   With rain lashing across the ground at kick-off and every man in Auckland seemingly either English-born or supporting Scotland, Eden Park was transformed into Murrayfield in March. October 1, 2011, Tom Fordyce, “Rugby World Cup 2011: England 16-12 Scotland”, in BBC Sport
9. Used in phrasal verbs: lash back, lash out.

Etymology 2

From Middle French lachier, from Old French lacier (“to lace”).

verb

1. (transitive) To bind with a rope, cord, thong, or chain, so as to fasten.
   to lash something to a spar
   lash a pack on a horse's back

Etymology 3

From Old French lasche (French lâche).

adj

1. (obsolete) Remiss, lax.
2. (obsolete) Relaxed.
3. Soft, watery, wet.
   Fruits being unwholesome and lash before the fourth or fifth Yeare. 1658, Sir Thomas Browne, The Garden of Cyrus, Folio Society, published 2007, page 211
4. (Ulster) Excellent, wonderful.
   We’re off school tomorrow, it’s gonna be lash!
   That Chinese (food) was lash!
5. (Britain) Drunk.

noun

1. (machining, mechanical) Looseness between fitted parts, either intentional (as allowance) or unintentional (from error or wear).
   setting the proper valve lash for solid lifters
   excessive lash in the gear train