captain's daughter

Nautical slang, now obsolete, for the cat-o'-nine-tails -- the multi-thonged whip used for flogging on Royal Navy ships. The name was darkly humorous, implying that contact with the captain's 'daughter' was something to be feared and avoided, and that her embrace was painful. The term reflects the grim gallows humor common throughout historical naval and military slang. The euphemism was respectful of no one.

Old nautical slang for the cat-o'-nine-tails, the multi-tailed rope whip used for flogging in the British Royal Navy. The nickname is sardonic — the captain's "daughter" was something sailors really didn't want to meet. Historical records show flogging was common punishment aboard Royal Navy vessels well into the 19th century, making this phrase a dark piece of maritime history.

(nautical, slang, obsolete) A cat-o'-nine-tails.