on, 1903). (R. L.*)

FOOTNOTE:

[1] The word "cat" is applied to various objects, in all cases an
application of the name of the animal. In medieval siegecraft the
"cat" (Med. Lat. _chattus_ or _gattus_, _chatta_ or _gatta_, in Fr.
_chat_ or _chat-chasteil_) was a movable pent-house used to protect
besiegers when approaching a wall or gateway, for the purpose of
sapping, mining or direct attack, or to cover a ram or other
battering-engine. The word is also sometimes applied to a heavy
timber fitted with iron spikes or projections to be thrown down upon
besiegers, and to the large work known as a "cavalier." "Cat" or
"cat-head," in nautical usage, is the projecting beam on the bows of
a ship used to clear the anchor from the sides of the vessel when
weighed. The stock of the anchor rests on the cat-head when hung
outside the ship. The name is also used of a type of a vessel, now
obsolete, and formerly used in the coal and timber trade on the
north-east coast of England; it had a deep waist and narrow stem; it
is still applied to a small rig of sailing boats, with a single mast
stepped far forward, with a fore and aft sail. Among other objects
also known by the name of "cat" is the small piece of wood pointed at
either end used in the game of tip-cat, and the instrument of
punishment, generally known as the "cat o' nine tails." This consists
of a handle of wood or rope, about 18 in. long, with nine knotted
cords or thongs. The multiplication of thongs for purposes of
flogging is found in the old Roman _flagellum_, a scourge, which had
sometimes three thongs with bone or bronze knots fastened to them.
The "cat" was the regular instrument with which floggings were
performed in the British army and navy. Since the abolition of
flogging in the services, the use of the cat is now restricted to
certain classes of offenders in military prisons (Army Act 1881, S
133). In the English criminal law, where corporal punishment is
ordered by the court for certain criminal offences, the "cat" is used
only where the prisoner is over sixteen years of age. It may not be
used except when actually ordered in the sentence, and must be of a
pattern approved by a secretary of state. Further floggings are
inflicted with the "cat" upon convicted prisoners for breaches of
discipline in prison. They must b