sjambok

American  

[sham-bok, -buhk] / ʃæmˈbɒk, -ˈbʌk /

noun

1. (in southern Africa) a heavy whip, usually of rhinoceros hide.

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verb (used with object)

1. to whip with or as if with such a whip.

sjambok British  

/ -bɒk, ˈʃæmbʌk /

noun

1. a heavy whip of rhinoceros or hippopotamus hide

2. a stiff synthetic version of this, used in crowd control

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verb

1. (tr) to strike or beat with such a whip

Etymology

Origin of sjambok

1820–30; < Afrikaans s ( j ) ambok < Malay cambuk whip < Hindi cābuk

Example Sentences

Lord Islington described this as "perilously near forced labour;" His Grace of Canterbury facetiously suggested that the chiefs' idea of influence would be the sjambok; and Lord Emmott talked of "Prussianism."

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, July 21, 1920 by Seaman, Owen, Sir

Across the scrub and veld Dick pointed with his sjambok to the white Outspreading tent, then to the wattle belt That marshalled thinly in the shimmering light.

From Provocations by Bristowe, Sibyl

His corduroy trousers were tucked into a pair of top boots, and a sjambok, or raw-hide whip, dangled from his wrist.

From The Fire Trumpet A Romance of the Cape Frontier by Mitford, Bertram

From all accounts the Boer went about with the Bible in one hand and the sjambok in the other, instructing himself assiduously with the Word, while asserting himself liberally with the deed.

From South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 1 (of 6) From the Foundation of Cape Colony to the Boer Ultimatum of 9th Oct. 1899 by Creswicke, Louis

"Will you come to me when you have finished your business?" she said, and she took the sjambok gently from his hand.

From The Judgment House by Parker, Gilbert