DictionaryleatherSevere beating
verb

leather

To beat or strike severely.

He threatens to leather anyone who tries to take his money.

Etymology

The material name became a verb for beating someone, associated with blows delivered using a leather strap. The instrument’s material supplies the action’s name.

More examples

  • The guards leathered the prisoner for trying to escape.
  • She intervenes to stop the boys from leathering each other.
  • He was badly leathered in a fight outside the bar.

Forms

leather · leathers · leathered · leathering

Similar words

beat
A broader term that does not always imply severe force.
thrash
Emphasizes a violent beating with many forceful blows.
pummel
Emphasizes repeated blows, especially those delivered with the fists.