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Meaning of cat-o'-nine-tails | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C2

Definitions

  1. A scourge (multi-tail whip) having nine, often knotted, whipcords, formerly used for flogging as naval punishment.
  2. A similarly constructed leather nine-tail whip, as used in British penal colonies and certain armies.

Examples

“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.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

See also

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