How Do You Spell PILLORY?

1. The term "pillory" refers to both a physical structure and a form of punishment in the legal system. As a noun, pillory denotes a wooden framework consisting of a long, vertical post with holes for securing the head and hands of a convicted criminal. This structure, typically erected in a public place, serves to expose the individual to public scorn and humiliation. The purpose of the pillory is to publicly shame and punish the offender as a means of deterrence.

   As a verb, pillory signifies the act of subjecting someone to this form of punishment, often accompanied by jeering and verbal abuse from bystanders. In a broader sense, pillory can also denote the public criticism or censure of someone's actions, ideas, or character, regardless of an official legal context.

   Historically, the pillory played a significant role in criminal justice systems, particularly in medieval and early modern periods. Offenders were placed in the pillory as a means to inflict public humiliation, disapproval, and sometimes even physical harm as a result of public anger. Today, while the physical use of the pillory as a punishment has largely been discontinued, the term is often used metaphorically to describe situations where individuals or ideas face public condemnation or become subjects of ridicule and scorn in the court of public opinion.

2. • A scaffold, on which was erected a post or pillar surmounted by a flat board pierced with holes for the head and hands of the offender, who stood in an upright position, with his hands and head jutting out on one side of the flat board.

   • To punish with the pillory.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PILLORY

The word "pillory" is derived from the Old French word "pilori", which itself originated from the Medieval Latin term "piloria". The Latin word can be traced back to the Latin verb "pilare", meaning "to deprive of hair". This connects to the original purpose of the pillory as a punishment, where offenders' heads and hands were locked in a wooden framework, exposing them to public shame, and sometimes their hair was forcibly cut off. The concept was gradually adapted to mean any method of exposing individuals to public ridicule or censure.

Similar spelling words for PILLORY

Plural form of PILLORY is PILLORIES

Conjugate verb Pillory

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