flagellant: Meaning and Definition of

flag•el•lant

1. a person who flagellates or scourges himself or herself for religious discipline.
2. a person who derives sexual pleasure from whipping or being whipped by another person.
3. (often cap.) one of a medieval European sect of fanatics who practiced scourging in public.

1. flagellating.
2. severely criticizing: a flagellant attack on the opposition party.