'cat-o'-nine-tails' definitions:
Definition of 'cat-o'-nine-tails'
(from WordNet)
noun
A whip with nine knotted cords; "British sailors feared the cat" [syn: cat-o'-nine-tails, cat]
Definition of 'cat-o'-nine-tails'
From: GCIDE
- Cat o' nine tails \Cat" o' nine" tails`\, cat-o'-nine-tails \cat"-o'-nine"-tails`\n.
- 1. a whip used as an instrument of punishment consisting of nine pieces of knotted line or cord fastened to a handle; -- formerly used to flog offenders on the bare back; -- called also the cat. It was used in the British Navy to maintain discipline on board sailing ships.
- Syn: cat. [WordNet 1.5 +PJC] Catopter