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