cat-o'-nine-tails
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cat-o'-nine-tails
Where it comes from
From cat + o' + nine + tails, cat referring to the inflicted wounds resembling the scratches of a cat. First attested in 1695.
noun cats-o'-nine-tails · cat-o'-nine
- A scourge (multi-tail whip) having nine, often knotted, whipcords, formerly used for flogging as naval punishment. But I do tell you one thing, if you ſhould give ſuch Language at Sea, you'd have a Cat o' Nine-tails laid croſs your Shoulders.
- A similarly constructed leather nine-tail whip, as used in British penal colonies and certain armies.
