WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

stripes
    n 1: V-shaped sleeve badge indicating military rank and service;
         "they earned their stripes in Kuwait" [syn: chevron,
         stripe, stripes, grade insignia]

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary:

Stripes
   as a punishment were not to exceed forty (Deut. 25:1-3), and
   hence arose the custom of limiting them to thirty-nine (2 Cor.
   11:24). Paul claimed the privilege of a Roman citizen in regard
   to the infliction of stripes (Acts 16:37, 38; 22:25-29). Our
   Lord was beaten with stripes (Matt. 27:26).