cat–o'–nine–tails

noun \ˌka-tə-ˈnīn-ˌtālz\

plural cat–o'–nine–tails

Definition of CAT-O'-NINE-TAILS

: a whip made of usually nine knotted lines or cords fastened to a handle

See cat-o'-nine-tails defined for kids

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

First Known Use: 1665

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