Lexic.us

Definition of Pillory

1. Noun. A wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn.

2. Verb. Expose to ridicule or public scorn.

3. Verb. Punish by putting in a pillory.

4. Verb. Criticize harshly or violently. "The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage"

Definition of Pillory

1. n. A frame of adjustable boards erected on a post, and having holes through which the head and hands of an offender were thrust so as to be exposed in front of it.

2. v. t. To set in, or punish with, the pillory.

Definition of Pillory

1. Noun. A framework on a post, with holes for the hands and head, used as a means of punishment and humiliation. ¹

2. Verb. (transitive) To put in a pillory. ¹

3. Verb. (transitive) To subject to humiliation, scorn, ridicule or abuse. ¹

4. Verb. (transitive) To criticize harshly. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Pillory

1. to expose to public ridicule or abuse [v -RIED, -RYING, -RIES]

Pillory Pictures

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Lexicographical Neighbors of Pillory

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Literary usage of Pillory

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

1. The Justice of the Peace, and Parish Officer by Richard Burn (1820)
"Every one that hath a leet or market ought to have a pillory who shall find and tumbrel to punish offenders ; and it seems that a leet may be them, ..."

2. A Digest of the Laws of England by Anthony Hammond, John Comyns (1826)
"The pillory is the usual punishment of any convicted of an infamous crime ... A pillory and tumbrel, which are infamous, ought not to be used without good ..."

3. An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language: To which is Prefixed, a by John Jamieson (1879)
""1л Edinburgh the pillory is called the Troue;" Radd. There teems to be no reason for the ... To subject to the disgraceful punishment of the pillory. ..."

4. The Chronicles of Newgate by Arthur Griffiths (1884)
"Again in 1383, William Berham for slandering the Mayor was adjudged to be put upon the pillory on the same day, there to stand for one hour of the day with ..."

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