To flog a willing horse, verb. phr. (common).—To urge on one who is
already putting forth his best energies.
Flogger, subs. (old).—1. A whip; cf., Flog. Grose gives the word as
Cant. Fr., un bouis.
1789. Geo. Parker, Life’s Painter, p. 173, s.v.
2. (theatrical).—A mop (i.e., a bunch of slips of cloth on a handle)
used in the painting room to whisk the charcoal dust from a sketch.
Flogging, ppl. adj. (old).—Careful; penurious.
Flogging-cove, subs. phr. (prison)—1. An official who administers the
cat (q.v.).
1690. B. E., New Dict. of the Canting Crew. Flogging cove, c. the
Beadle, or Whipper in Bridewell, or any such place.
1785. Grose, Dict. Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Flogging-cove, the beadle, or
whipper, in Bridewell.