Flagrum
/ˈflæɡrəm/noun
A Roman whip or scourge, especially one made of several lashes and sometimes fitted with metal or bone pieces.
Did you know?The flagrum is traditionally associated with Roman scourging, including the Passion narratives, though archaeological evidence shows that its exact construction varied.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Italic
Proto-Italic
*flāgrōm
“A reconstructed term for a striking or whipping instrument; its deeper Indo-European origin is uncertain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
flagrum
“A whip, scourge, or instrument used for punishment.”
Classical Latin
Latin
flagellum
“A whip or scourge, a related form that could refer to a multi-thonged instrument.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
flagrum
“A scourge, especially in Christian descriptions of Roman punishment.”
Modern English
English
flagrum
“A specialized historical term for an ancient Roman whip or scourge.”
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