lash

Definition

The thong or braided cord of a whip, with which the blow is given.

Etymology

From Middle English lashe, lasshe, lasche (“a stroke; the flexible end of a whip”), from Proto-Germanic *laskô (“flap of fabric, strap”). Cognate with Dutch lasch, las (“a piece; seal; joint; notch; seam”), German Low German Laske, Lask (“a flap; dag; strap”), German Lasche (“a flap; joint; strap; tongue; scarf”), Swedish lask (“scarf”), Icelandic laski (“the bottom part of a glove”).

Example Sentences

• "I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it."
• "The culprit received thirty-nine lashes."
• "The moral is a lash at the vanity of arrogating that to ourselves which succeeds well."