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+--- Thread: Proper name: scourge or punishment whip (/showthread.php?tid=9159)
Proper name: scourge or punishment whip - Ron Andrea - 04-24-2007
Friends, Romans, etc.,
What is the proper terminology for the leather whip or flail used to punish misincreants and criminals? I refer to the multi-strand whip which often had metal or bone pieces innertwined with the strands to increase the punishment.
I've heard flagellum, which might be correct, and "cat of nine tails", which seems anachronistic.
I source citation would be appreciated.
Re: Proper name: scourge or punishment whip - M. Demetrius - 04-24-2007
This from the Latin Vulgate Bible, Mark 15:15
Pilatus autem volens populo satisfacere, dimisit illis Barabbam, et tradidit Jesum flagellis cæsum, ut crucifigeretur.
Loosely translated, "So Pilate, wanting to satisfy the people, gave them Barabbas, and handed over Jesus to be whipped, then crucified."
So at least in this version, the likliest name for the whip would be flagellum. We still use the Latin verb in English, as "flagellation".
Re: Proper name: scourge or punishment whip - Ron Andrea - 04-24-2007
Thanks, David, that's a start.
Re: Proper name: scourge or punishment whip - Robert Vermaat - 04-25-2007
A whip with metal at the ends is later referred as 'plumbata', like the throwing dart.
Re: Proper name: scourge or punishment whip - Ironhand - 04-25-2007
So, I guess don't order plumbata around April 1 eh, or you might get a whip.
Re: Proper name: scourge or punishment whip - M. Demetrius - 04-25-2007
ba dum tsshhh
:lol: :lol: :roll:
(or vice versa)