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pillory |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pillory \Pil"lo*ry\, n.; pl {Pillories}. [F. pilori; cf Pr espitlori LL piloricum pilloricum pellericum pellorium pilorium spilorium perhaps from a derivative of L. speculari to look around observe. Cf {Speculate}.] 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 --Shak. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pillory \Pil"lo*ry\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pilloried}; p. pr & vb n. {Pillorying}.] [Cf. F. pilorier.] 1. To set in or punish with the pillory. ``Hungering for Puritans to pillory.'' --Macaulay. 2. Figuratively, to expose to public scorn. --Gladstone. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: pillory n : a wooden instrument on a post with holes for the neck and hands; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn [syn: {stocks}] v 1: expose to ridicule or public scorn [syn: {gibbet}] 2: punish by putting in a pillory From THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY ((C)1911 Released April 15 1993) [devils]: PILLORY, n. A mechanical device for inflicting personal distinction -- prototype of the modern newspaper conducted by persons of austere virtues and blameless lives.
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