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cat-o'-nine-tails
[ kat-uh-nahyn-teylz ]
noun
- a whip, usually having nine knotted lines or cords fastened to a handle, used for flogging.
cat-o'-nine-tails
noun
- a rope whip consisting of nine knotted thongs, used formerly to flog prisoners Often shortened tocat
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Word History and Origins
Origin of cat-o'-nine-tails1
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Example Sentences
The old gentleman was clad in clerical black, with his cat-o-nine tails thrust into his girdle like a sword.
This law meant the use of the cat-o-nine tails as a regular punishment, but did not prohibit blows to enforce immediate obedience.
Pity we left the cat-o-nine-tails out on the boat, said the second man.
You have forgotten it; but in my beardless days, I offended Mr. Athelstone in a way that deserved a cat-o-nine-tails.
As soon as ever I uncovered myself, they laid on to my back with a rope made into a cat-o-nine-tails.
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