KNOUT Meaning and
Definition
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A knout refers to a cruel instrument of punishment that was used primarily in Russia during the 17th to 19th centuries. It consists of a long and flexible whip made of leather or rawhide, typically with several tails or thongs at its end. The knout was utilized to inflict severe physical pain and punishment, often resulting in severe injuries or death.
In its essence, the act of being knouted involves the brutal act of whipping an individual as a form of both corporal punishment and public humiliation. The person receiving the punishment would typically be tied to a post or frame, with their back exposed for the whip to strike. The punisher, often an executioner or government official, would then forcefully swing the knout, causing each tail to strike the recipient's bare flesh with immense force.
Due to its highly painful and brutal nature, the knout was reserved for serious crimes and particularly rebellious or dissenting individuals. The punishment was imposed as a means of maintaining authority, instilling fear, and discouraging others from engaging in similar behaviors. The knout was notorious for its ability to cause excruciating pain and severe physical damage, often leading to long-lasting scars and permanent injuries.
The use of the knout as a form of punishment declined significantly in the 19th century, as societies started to reject such extreme and inhumane methods. Today, the knout remains primarily as a historical artifact that serves as a reminder of the brutal practices employed in Russia's past.
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• To punish with the knout.
• An instr. of punishment or torture used in Russia, consisting of a heavy leather whip interwined with iron wire at the point, applied to the bare skin.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for KNOUT
- jnout
- mnout
- lnout
- onout
- kbout
- kmout
- kjout
- khout
- knkut
- knlut
- kn0ut
- kn9ut
- knoht
- knojt
- kno8t
- kno7t
- knour
- knouf
- knoug
Etymology of KNOUT
The word "knout" comes from the Russian language. It can be traced back to the Old Slavic word "knutъ" or "knutiti", which means "to whip" or "to strike". In the 17th century, it was borrowed in French as "knout" and later in English. The knout was a particularly infamous instrument of corporal punishment in Russia, consisting of a long whip with a number of leather thongs and often including metal balls or hooks at the ends.
Similar spelling words for KNOUT
- nod,
- nought,
- out-,
- know,
- knotty,
- knot,
- out,
- knit,
- nut,
- knots,
- knut,
- snout,
- note,
- donut,
- not,
- knuth,
- Knutt,
- net,
- Knott.
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