cat-o'-nine-tails

[ kat-uh-nahyn-teylz ]

noun

, plural cat-o'-nine-tails.

1. a whip, usually having nine knotted lines or cords fastened to a handle, used for flogging.

cat-o'-nine-tails

noun

1. a rope whip consisting of nine knotted thongs, used formerly to flog prisoners Often shortened tocat

Word History and Origins

Origin of cat-o'-nine-tails¹

First recorded in 1685–95; so called in allusion to a cat's scratches

Related Words

• cane