Proper name: scourge or punishment whip

[Ron Andrea]

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.

[M. Demetrius]

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".

[Ron Andrea]

Thanks, David, that's a start.

[Robert Vermaat]

A whip with metal at the ends is later referred as 'plumbata', like the throwing dart.

[Ironhand]

So, I guess don't order plumbata around April 1 eh, or you might get a whip.

[M. Demetrius]

ba dum tsshhh
:lol: :lol: :roll:

(or vice versa)