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.
In old punishments, criminals were sometimes beaten with a switch.
The word 'shimoto' appears in ancient documents.
Rare kanji form; may not be recognized by many readers.
Rare kanji form; may not be recognized by many readers.
The exact derivation is uncertain; it is an old native Japanese word for a thin stick or whip.