flagellant

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: flag=el=lant

CIDE DICTIONARY

flagellant, n. [L. flagellans, p. p. of flagellare: cf.F. flagellant. See Flagellate.].

 One of a fanatical sect which flourished in Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries, and maintained that flagellation was of equal virtue with baptism and the sacrament; -- called also disciplinant.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

flagellant, n. & adj.
--n.
1 a person who scourges himself or herself or others as a religious discipline.
2 a person who engages in flogging as a sexual stimulus.
--adj. of or concerning flagellation.

Etymology

L flagellare to whip f. FLAGELLUM