cat-o'-nine-tails

A scourge (multi-tail whip) having nine, often knotted, whipcords, formerly used for flogging as naval punishment.

But I do tell you one thing, if you ſhould give ſuch Language at Sea, you'd have a Cat o' Nine-tails laid croſs your Shoulders.

A similarly constructed leather nine-tail whip, as used in British penal colonies and certain armies.