birch rod
Old discipline tool
A birch rod is a bundle of birch twigs bound together, historically used to administer corporal punishment.
The flexible branches sting sharply against bare skin.
Once common in schools and homes, birch rods became symbols of strict discipline: The headmaster kept a birch rod in his office.
The practice of birching has largely disappeared from Western societies.
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- caneStick for support
- whipStrikes or aerates
- corporal punishmentInflicting pain as penalty
- punishmentPenalty for an offense
discipline · spanking · willow · twig · schoolmaster · boarding school · thrashing · bundle · sauna · Finnish sauna · beating · lash · stripe · welt · sting · correction · flogging · public flogging
- rodsdowel, pushrod, pole, shaft, axle
- Bavarian FolkloreKrampus, kobold, nixie, mountain spirits, forest spirits
- corporal punishmentflogging, whipping, caning, lashing, beating
- punishment toolswhip, chains, shackles, rack, stocks
- SinterklaasSinterklaas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Netherlands, steamboat
- Victorian nurserybassinet, cradle, crib, high chair, nursery
birch rodgentle touch
caress · embrace · comfort · soft words · encouragement
birch rodsoft touch
Easily persuaded person
positive reinforcement · encouragement · nurturing · patience · understanding