Flagellants are practitioners of an extreme form of mortification of their own flesh by whipping it with various instruments. History Flagellantism was a 13th century and 14th century radical Christian movement. It began as a militant pilgrimage and was later condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical. The followers were noted for including public flagellation in their rituals. Flagellation (from Latin flagellare, to whip) wasn't uncommon practice amongst the more fervently religious. Var… (More on Flagellant)