Knout

(nowt, or nŏot), n. [Russ. knut, Goth. hnuto, Fr. knout.] An instrument of punishment in Russia, with which stripes are inflicted on the bare back.

The knout consists of a handle about two feet long, to which is fastened a flat leather thong about twice the length of the handle, terminating with a large copper or brass ring; to this ring is affixed a strip of hide about two inches broad at the ring, and terminating, at the end of two feet, in a point. This is soaked in milk, and dried in the sun to make it harder; and should it fall, in striking the culprit, on the edge, it would cut like a penknife. At every sixth stroke the tail is changed. New Month. Mag.