FLAGRUM

dim. FLĂGELLUM ( μάστιξ ), a whip, a scourge, to the handle of which was fixed a lash made of cords ( funibus ), or thongs of leather ( loris ), especially thongs made from the ox’s hide ( bubulis exuviis ). The flagellum properly so called was a dreadful instrument, and is thus put in opposition to the scutica , which was a simple whip. (Hor. Sat. i. 3. 119.) Cicero in like manner contrasts the severe flagella with the virgae . The flagellum was chiefly used in the punishment of slaves. It was knotted with bones or heavy indented circles of bronze or terminated by hooks, in which case it was aptly denominated a scorpion . We likewise find that some gladiators fought with the flagella, as in the coin here introduced.