E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Discipline (A).
A scourge used by Roman Catholics for penitential purposes.
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“Before the cross and altar a lamp was still burning, … and on the floor lay a small discipline or penitential scourge of small cord and wire, the lashes of which were stained with recent blood.”—Sir W. Scott: The Talisman. chap. iv.
