whipping boy

== English == === Alternative forms === whipping-boy === Etymology === First recorded in 1647. It is debated if this type of proxy punishment actually existed, or how widespread it was. === Pronunciation === === Noun === whipping boy (plural whipping boys) (historical) A boy who was whipped in the stead of a misbehaving prince in early modern Europe. As the whipping boy, he must take the whippings for the royal heir, Prince Brat. (transferred sense) Someone punished for the errors of others. Synonyms: scapegoat; see also Thesaurus:scapegoat Coordinate term: whipping girl ==== Translations ====