Originally Posted by
struth
cool.. mine was via this which is probably similar ..Latin ferula (“giant fennel (whose stalks were once used in punishing schoolboys); rod, whip”), from ferire (“to strike”).
wouldnt have been normal at my school. belting was common but not the cane; it would have got you in real trouble. in fact one teacher did hit a boy with one once and he got in real trouble. suspended and threatened with court and loss of job. once i reached 2/3 yaer i didnt take belt of any of them. if they tried it on then i'd defend myself..i once flung the pt teacher in swimming pool for trying to push me around:D he complained bitterly to rector, who asked me nicely not to be so rough... all he wanted was trophies for his display, which i gave him, so i got to do what i liked within reason.
i rarely actually went to classes:eek: i was a very naughty boy