thresh

verb

1. (transitive)To separate the grain from the straw or husks (chaff) by mechanical beating, with a flail or machinery, or by driving animals over them.
2. (intransitive, transitive)To separate the grain from the straw or husks (chaff) by mechanical beating, with a flail or machinery, or by driving animals over them.
3. (literary, transitive)To beat soundly, usually with some tool such as a stick or whip; to drub.
4. (intransitive, literary)To violently toss the limbs about.

   “The jay fell all lopsidedly and threshing, as though it were having a fit. The ground killed it.”

5. (literary, transitive, usually)To belabor; to go over repeatedly, especially an argument.
6. To drive through adverse conditions (wind, waves).