cilice

A barbed metal belt worn round the thigh of followers of Opus Dei, a Catholic sect. Used to recreate and remind them of the suffering of Christ at the crucifiction, and as punishment for 'sins of the flesh'.
Opus Dei missionaries have to wear it for at least 2 hours per day, except on the Sabbath and other holy days. - Pronounced 'SILL-iss'

Bob: Hey mate, where's John?

Pete: He's in the Hospital, tightened his cilice too much, didn't he?

Bob: What a plonker!

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