flogster

Preserved but no longer current.

Meaning · English

One addicted to flogging. William IV., who was accused of unduly and excessively punishing the sailors whom he commanded when in the navy, was nicknamed in the newspapers "Prince William Henry FLOGSTER."

Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)

Where it’s used: Origin British & Irish English
Sources & notes

Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.

Common questions

What does “flogster” mean?

One addicted to flogging. William IV., who was accused of unduly and excessively punishing the sailors whom he commanded when in the navy, was nicknamed in the newspapers "Prince William Henry FLOGSTER."

Is “flogster” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.