baculine

A teacher uses a baculine argument to enforce discipline.

Definition

Baculine (adjective)

1. Relating to or involving the use of a rod, stick, or cane: "baculine" describes something associated with corporal punishment administered with a rod or similar instrument.

2. Pertaining to flogging or beating with a rod: The word is often used in formal or historical contexts to refer to punishment by beating.

Usage Examples

• (The school's practice of punishing students with a rod was ended.)
• (His use of physical punishment with a cane was regarded as severe.)

Advanced Usage

• "baculine argument": an argument or persuasion based on the threat or use of physical force.
  • The dictator relied on baculine argument rather than reason to maintain control. (He used the threat of beating rather than logical persuasion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Baculum (noun): a bone found in the penis of some mammals; also, a rod or stick.
  • The baculum is present in many rodent species. (A supporting bone in the male reproductive organ.)

Synonyms

• Corporal: relating to physical punishment.
• Floggable: deserving or subject to whipping.
• Rod-based: involving the use of a rod.

Related Idioms

• Spare the rod, spoil the child: a proverb advocating physical punishment in child rearing.
  • The headmaster firmly believed in sparing the rod, spoiling the child. (He believed that without physical discipline, children become unruly.)