Meaning of Botany Bay dozen | Babel Free

Definitions

25 lashes, i.e. strokes of a whip across a person's back as a punishment.

Australia, historical, obsolete, slang

Examples

“If guilty, he is taken to a cart-wheel to receive⟳ a Botany Bay dozen, which is twenty-five lashes ;[…].”

““Will they be strung up for a Botany Bay dozen like⟳ we are if we so much as squeak? Not those fine gentlemen, with their uniforms an' their pockets full o' gold!””

“He gave a harsh snort and said angrily, “A Botany Bay dozen is not twelve. It's twenty-five, and more than capable of exposing a man's backbone.””

CEFR level