The Mercedes Benz of flogging devices. These were first created on British Navy ships and in the British Army in the 1600s, where thick ropes were unbraided resulting in nine tails which were knotted to cause skin lacerations. They were used on the backs of British seamen and soldiers to admisister severe physical punishment and as a motivational device for others who were required to watch. They were kept in a special bag, which gave rise to the expression “Letting the cat out of the bag.” Some of the current day floggers or whips used in BDSM might be called a Cat’O’Nine Tails, but they are not as lethal as the original devices.