Word Study
cat-o'-nine-tails
CIDE DICTIONARY
cat-o'-nine-tails, n.
a whip used as an instrument of punishment consisting of nine pieces of knotted line or cord fastened to a handle; -- formerly used to flog offenders on the bare back; -- called also the cat . It was used in the British Navy to maintain discipline on board sailing ships. [WordNet 1.5]
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