しもと

noun

whip; switch; scourge

Archaic term for a thin, flexible rod or whip used for punishment or beating. Not used in modern everyday language; appears in historical or literary contexts.

• 昔むかしの刑けい罰ばつでは、罪ざい人にんをしもとで打うつことがあった。

  In old punishments, criminals were sometimes beaten with a switch.

• 古こ文ぶん書しょに「しもと」という言こと葉ばが出でてくる。

  The word 'shimoto' appears in ancient documents.