martinet

The martinet () is a punitive device traditionally used in France and other parts of Europe. The word also has other usages, described below.

==Object== thumb|right|A simple, small martinet A martinet is a short, scourge-like (multi-tail) type of whip made of a wooden handle of about in length and about 10 lashes of equal, relatively short length. The lashes are usually made of leather, but sometimes soap-stiffened cords are used in place of leather. It was a traditional instrument of physical punishment in France and other European countries. In French, it also refers to a similar dusting implement; the type for chastisement was also known as ''fouet d'enfant, meaning child's whip''. The lashes are light, so they are ineffective unless the child is whipped naked. The advantage is they give a stinging pain on bare skin, but will not cause an injury.