The "fell of Thuringwethil" is undoubtedly just her hide, as it fits perfectly with the definitions in the OED:
"1. The skin or hide of an animal [...] 3. A covering of hair, wool, etc., esp. when thick and matted; a fleece. Often in phr. a fell of hair, a head or shock of hair." (OED2 on CD-ROM, _fell n1_)
_Taw_, on the other hand, means just what Squatter said, but also has less specific meaning clearly associated with the processing of animal hides:
"1. trans. To make ready, prepare, or dress (some raw material) for use, or for further manipulation; e.g. to soften (hides) by beating, to heckle (hemp), etc.; [...]
3. fig. To treat (a person) abusively or with contumely; to vex, torment; to harass, afflict; to abuse, outrage, profane. Obs. [...]
b. To whip, flog, thrash. Obs. exc. dial." (ibid, _taw v1_)
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