\Knout\ (nout or n[=oo]t), n. [Russ. knut'; prob. of
Scand. origin; cf. Sw. knut knot, knout, Icel. kn[=u]tr knot:
cf. F. knout. See {Knot}.]
A kind of whip for flogging criminals, formerly much used in
Russia. The last is a tapering bundle of leather thongs
twisted with wire and hardened, so that it mangles the flesh.

\Knout\, v. t.
To punish with the knout. --Brougham.