cat-o'-nine-tails
əˈnaɪnˌteɪlz noun, plural cat-o'-nine-tails.
a whip, usually having nine knotted lines or cords fastened to a handle, used for flogging.
Origin:
1685–95; so called in allusion to a cat's scratches
1685–95; so called in allusion to a cat's scratches
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To cat-o'-nine-tails
Collins
World English Dictionary
| cat-o'-nine-tails | |
| —n , pl -tails | |
| Often shortened to: cat a rope whip consisting of nine knotted thongs, used formerly to flog prisoners | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Cat-o'-nine-tails
is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
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