Pillory: meaning, definitions and examples
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pillory
[ ˈpɪləri ]
historical punishment
A pillory is a device used in the past for public punishment. It consists of a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands of an offender, exposing them to public humiliation and ridicule. Typically located in a public area, it allowed passersby to jeer at or even throw objects at the person secured within. Although once a common method of punishment, it has long since fallen out of favor as societies have evolved to promote more humane treatment of wrongdoers.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The thief was placed in the pillory for all to see.
- In medieval times, pillories were a common sight in towns.
- The local authorities decided to use the pillory for severe offenses.
- The pillory served as a deterrent to would-be criminals.
Translations
Translations of the word "pillory" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pelourinho
🇮🇳 सजा का खंभा
🇩🇪 Pranger
🇮🇩 penjara kayu
🇺🇦 позорний стовп
🇵🇱 pręgierz
🇯🇵 さらし台
🇫🇷 pilori
🇪🇸 pila
🇹🇷 idam direği
🇰🇷 치욕의 기둥
🇸🇦 عمود العار
🇨🇿 hanba
🇸🇰 hanba
🇨🇳 耻辱柱
🇸🇮 sramotna stebra
🇮🇸 skömmunarsúlu
🇰🇿 ұят бағаны
🇬🇪 შერჩევითი ბოძები
🇦🇿 təzyiq sütunu
🇲🇽 pilar de la vergüenza
Etymology
The term 'pillory' originates from the Old French word 'pillorie', meaning a 'punishment device'. This, in turn, traces back to the Latin word 'pīllōria', which translates to 'a kind of pin or stake'. The concept of the pillory has existed since the Middle Ages, primarily as a means to publicly shame and punish those convicted of minor crimes. It was utilized to administer justice in a society that valued public displays of disapproval as a lesson for others. The use of the pillory can be found in many European countries, as well as in early American colonies. Over time, as notions of human rights and proper legal practices evolved, the use of the pillory declined significantly, and it became a relic of a more punitive past.