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(v.) A type of calling or request in social groups for punishment or public show of discipline upon oneself. This term is especially used in fraternities by pledges to admit guilt openly so they can avoid dismissal and be only punished through a public disciplining in a way that is dictated by the aforementioned fraternities Pledge Master. The origin of this term comes from the 15th century, when one would exclaim "SPOTS! SPOTS!" after they discovered they had smallpox, which is characterized by raised fluid filled blisters. Although the exclamation of spots by these individuals was done to elicit help, it almost always resulted in the public punishment by burning to death. This was due to smallpox being seen as a punishment from God in the time period.
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