I. ˈnau̇t, ˈnüt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Russian knut, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse knūtr knot — more at knot
: a flogging whip with a lash of leather thongs twisted with wire used for punishing criminals
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to flog with a knout