cat-o'-nine-tails

== English == === Alternative forms === cat-o'-nine (uncommon short form) === Etymology === From cat +‎ o' +‎ nine +‎ tails, cat referring to the inflicted wounds resembling the scratches of a cat. First attested in 1695. === Pronunciation === === Noun === cat-o'-nine-tails (plural cats-o'-nine-tails) (nautical) A scourge (multi-tail whip) having nine, often knotted, whipcords, formerly used for flogging as naval punishment. A similarly constructed leather nine-tail whip, as used in British penal colonies and certain armies. ==== Hypernyms ==== scourge ==== Translations ====