What is a tawse?

What is tawse?

A cross between a paddle and a strap. Used originally in Scotland for discipline of school children.

Definition

This device, has two or more strips of leather, cut to a specific length, with a handle, which makes it more than a strap. Straps are generally a length of leather, without a handle. Usually these are doubled over, and are made from smooth leather, such as a man's belt.

The strap is usually gripped at the buckle end. The Tawse, on the other hand, has a handle. Originally, it had a strip of leather, the end cut into two. These ends were generally about 2 inches in length, creating a finger type end. It was the ends, which were used to strike the offender.

Related Terms

See also Spanking and Impact Play.