knout

[ nout ]

noun

1. a whip with a lash of leather thongs, formerly used in Russia for flogging criminals.

verb (used with object)

1. to flog with the knout.

knout

/ naʊt /

noun

1. a stout whip used formerly in Russia as an instrument of punishment

Word History and Origins

Origin of knout¹

1710–20; < French < Russian knut, Old Russian < Old Norse knūtr knot

Word History and Origins

Origin of knout¹

C17: from Russian knut, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse knūtr knot

Example Sentences

If you thought that the 1% were the knout, turn on your TV and watch the birth of the Era of the .001%.

From New York Times

The tin or lead mines, the ankle-chains, the knout, and many things that were far worse to a beautiful woman!

From Project Gutenberg

In Russia the Nihilists prefer chaos to the government of the bayonet, Siberia and the knout, and these intrepid men have kept upon the coast of despotism one beacon fire of hope.

From Project Gutenberg

Don't talk to me of the knout or the stick!

From Project Gutenberg

Knout, nowt, n. a whip formerly used as an instrument of punishment in Russia: punishment inflicted by the knout.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cane