v. threshed, thresh·ing, thresh·es v.tr. 1. a. To beat the stems and husks of (grain or cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains or seeds from the straw. b. To separate (grains or seeds) in this manner. 2. To discuss or examine (an issue, for example) repeatedly. 3. To beat severely; thrash. v.intr. 1. To use a machine or flail to separate grain or seeds from straw. 2. To thrash about; toss. [Middle English thresshen, from Old English therscan; see terə-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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