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falanga

noun
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fa·​lan·​ga | \ fəˈläŋgə, -aŋ- \
plural -s

Definition of falanga

: a method of torture in which the soles of the feet are beaten

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History and Etymology for falanga

probably from New Greek phalanga, oblique form of phalangas bastinado, modification (probably influenced by New Greek phalangi roller put under a ship) of Turkish falaka whiffletree, staff and loop for holding the feet of a bastinado victim, bastinado, from Arabic falaqa

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Cite this Entry

“Falanga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falanga. Accessed 26 Sep. 2021.

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