cat-o'-nine-tails

noun

plural cat-o'-nine-tails
: a whip made of usually nine knotted lines or cords fastened to a handle

Word History

Etymology

from the resemblance of its scars to the scratches of a cat

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cat-o'-nine-tails was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near cat-o'-nine-tails

Cite this Entry

“Cat-o'-nine-tails.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cat-o%27-nine-tails. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cat-o'-nine-tails

noun
ˌkat-ə-ˈnīn-ˌtālz
plural cat-o'-nine-tails
: a whip made of nine knotted cords fastened to a handle

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