Cat - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition cat

Definition :

Cat. (1) A cat is not the subject of larceny at Common Law: for the punishment for stealing a cat, see (English) Larceny Act, 1861, s. 21; for maliciously killing or wounding, see (English) Malicious Damage Act, 1861, s. 41; and for painful experiment on, see (English) Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876 s. 5. See further as to cruelty, ANIMALS.

(2) The instrument (cat o' nine tails) with which criminals are flogged in England. [See Whipping.] It consists of nine lashes of whipcord tied on to a wooden handle.