beetle n also ~ board, ~ stock, bittle EDD ~ sb 3. A flat board used for beating clothes.
   1891 Holly Branch 34 Had I been present when the Prince committed that outrage on old Foley it would have been worse for him than Mother Carter's bittle stock or old B-'s cuvvel staff. P 97-67 The bittle board [was a] long, hard spatula for beating clothes or a mat. P 191-73 The communal wash-day was held at O'Leary's River near Wickham's. The clothes were beaten by paddles or beetles.

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