Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
Botany Bay dozen. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
Botany Bay dozen, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
Botany Bay dozen in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
Botany Bay dozen you have here. The definition of the word
Botany Bay dozen will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
Botany Bay dozen, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation
Noun
Botany Bay dozen (plural Botany Bay dozens)
- (Australia, slang, obsolete or historical) 25 lashes, ie. strokes of a whip across a person's back as a punishment.[1]
1893, Frank Murcott Bladen, Historical Records of New South Wales: Papers Relating to Grose and Paterson, 1793-1795, volume 2, page 796:If guilty, he is taken to a cart-wheel to receive a Botany Bay dozen, which is twenty-five lashes ; […] .
1948, Eleanor Dark, Storm of Time, Collins, published 1963, page 58:“Will they be strung up for a Botany Bay dozen like we are if we so much as squeak? Not those fine gentlemen, with their uniforms an' their pockets full o' gold!”
2003, Mary Hawkins, Australian Outback: Four Journeys to a New Country Ride on the Wings of Faith and Love, page 47:He gave a harsh snort and said angrily, “A Botany Bay dozen is not twelve. It's twenty-five, and more than capable of exposing a man's backbone.”
Synonyms
References