Whip

A whip is a tapered flexible length of either a single cord or plaited (braided) leather or other material, commonly with a stiff handle. Whips are used to produce a loud sharp sound—a "crack"—to drive or direct livestock or harnessed animals.

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When rapidly shaken at the base, whips "crack" and make a loud noise because their tails have broken the sound barrier.

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Other devices made of straps and used to strike human beings or animals as a means of control or punishment or torture are sometimes also called whips—though they do not crack. These may include riding crops, horse whips, and various flogging instruments.

Related Topics:
Punishment - Torture - Crops

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