Definition of Iron maiden

1. Noun. Instrument of torture consisting of a hollow iron frame shaped like the human body and lined with spikes to impale the victim.

Generic synonyms: Instrument Of Torture

Definition of Iron maiden

1. Noun. (idiomatic archaic) A medieval torture device consisting of a chamber lined with spikes which encloses upon and impales the victim inside. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Iron Maiden

iron filing
iron filings
iron fist
iron fists
iron foundry
iron gray
iron haematoxylin
iron hand
iron heel
iron horse
iron horses
iron index
iron isotopes
iron lung
iron maiden (current term)
iron maidens
iron man
iron manganese tungsten
iron metabolism disorders
iron mine
iron mines
iron mold
iron mould
iron oak
iron ore
iron out
iron overload
iron oxide
iron oxides

Literary usage of Iron maiden

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Facts and Fancies for the Curious from the Harvest-fields of Literature: A by Charles Carroll Bombaugh (1905)
"Many Americans have seen the iron maiden; all Americans ought to see her. ... For the iron maiden was no ingenious toy devised to amuse the idle and ..."

2. Christian Art and Symbolism: With Some Hints on the Study of Landscape by Richard St. John Tyrwhitt (1872)
"... the torture-chambers and dungeons under the walls, and the iron maiden. Then you will understand that the discipline of those days, if wholesome, ..."

3. Rambles Abroad by Olive A. Colton (1904)
"iron maiden WHO GAVE THE EMBRACE OF DEATH The view from the castle balconies is limitless and many of the great rooms are still furnished. ..."

4. Memoranda of Marie C. Lilly's European Trip: Beginning May 14, 1910; Ending by Marie C. Lilly (1913)
"To make sure that he did die, or else for further cruelty, under this iron maiden was a furnace in which a fire was kindled and he was slowly roasted also. ..."

5. Facts and Fancies for the Curious from the Harvest-fields of Literature: A by Charles Carroll Bombaugh (1905)
"Many Americans have seen the iron maiden; all Americans ought to see her. ... For the iron maiden was no ingenious toy devised to amuse the idle and ..."

6. Christian Art and Symbolism: With Some Hints on the Study of Landscape by Richard St. John Tyrwhitt (1872)
"... the torture-chambers and dungeons under the walls, and the iron maiden. Then you will understand that the discipline of those days, if wholesome, ..."

7. Rambles Abroad by Olive A. Colton (1904)
"iron maiden WHO GAVE THE EMBRACE OF DEATH The view from the castle balconies is limitless and many of the great rooms are still furnished. ..."

8. Memoranda of Marie C. Lilly's European Trip: Beginning May 14, 1910; Ending by Marie C. Lilly (1913)
"To make sure that he did die, or else for further cruelty, under this iron maiden was a furnace in which a fire was kindled and he was slowly roasted also. ..."

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