castigamatti

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Italian

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Etymology

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Verb-object compound, composed of castiga (to punish) +‎ matti (madmen).

Noun

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castigamatti m (invariable)

  1. (historical) stick used to bring order to asylums
  2. (humorous) cudgel
    Synonym: bastone
  3. (humorous, by extension) punishment

Noun

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castigamatti m or f by sense (invariable)

  1. (humorous) punisher (person who punishes or scares into compliance)