Tawse

The tawse is a historical Scottish disciplinary tool made of leather. It was formerly used mainly in schools for corporal punishment. Unlike the cane, which was more common in England, the tawse had its own tradition in Scotland. It was mainly used to strike the palms, and in some cases also the buttocks.

Today, the tawse is known almost exclusively for historical reasons or in BDSM contexts. As a punishment implement, it is associated with pain and possible injury and should not be used carelessly. In BDSM, clear agreements, consent, a safeword, and awareness of possible aftereffects are essential; strikes to sensitive body areas can cause bruising, nerve irritation, or other harm.