Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

birching

Noun
/ˈbɜːr.tʃɪŋ/
Definition
Birching refers to the act of punishing someone by striking them with a birch rod, traditionally used as a form of corporal punishment.
Examples
  • The school authorities decided against birching, opting for more modern disciplinary methods.
  • In some cultures, birching was a common practice for misbehavior among students.
  • He recalled stories of birching from his grandparents’ time, highlighting how discipline has changed over the years.
Meaning
The term birching is often associated with a specific type of punishment that involves using a birch branch or rod. It has historical significance, particularly in educational and judicial contexts.
Synonyms
  • Corporal punishment
  • Caning
  • Flagellation