rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypilloryPublic criticism
verb / noun

pillory

PIL-uh-ree/pˈɪlɝi/

A wooden frame that held a person's head and hands for public punishment.

The pillory restrains the offender's neck and wrists before mocking townspeople.

A standing offender restrained by the neck and wrists in a raised wooden pillory, while two nearby townspeople point and laugh.
Etymology
pilloryOld Frenchpillory

Old French pilori already named this punishment device, which held an offender's head and hands exposed to public ridicule and abuse. The name's deeper origin remains uncertain.

In context

Libranima1:20
Was it that the shame and despair of the pillory still lingered in the bottom of his heart
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - Hugo (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

  • The prisoner's head and hands were locked in the pillory.
  • Officials once pilloried offenders in the town square.
  • Critics pillory the mayor for wasting public money.

Forms

pillory · pillories · pilloried · pillorying

Similar words

stocks
Restrained the feet rather than the head and hands.