Language

The Lexicon

The Lexicon preserves the language of the Lifestyle — its words, concepts and traditions. It records meaning; it never prescribes practice. Where usage varies between Houses or lineages, each is set down with equal respect.

Equipment

Tawse

A leather strap divided into tails at its striking end.

Definition

The tawse is a heavy leather strap split into two or more tails along part of its length. It has a distinctive history in institutional discipline in parts of the British Isles and has entered the BDSM impact repertoire as a recognisable implement.

Discussion

The tawse produces a characteristic combination of thud and sting and remains associated with disciplinary imagery.

See also