knout

[nout]

noun

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

verb (used with object)

to flog with the knout.

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Knout is one of our favorite verbs.

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to run away hurriedly; flee.

to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.

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

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Collins

World English Dictionary

knout (naʊt)

—n
	a stout whip used formerly in Russia as an instrument of punishment

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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