Etymology
The word "pillory" originates from the Latin word "pilorus," meaning "a pestle." It is derived from the Greek word "pilós," meaning "to pound."
Meaning
A pillory is a wooden frame with holes for the head and hands, used as a form of public humiliation or punishment in the past. Offenders were placed in the pillory and subjected to public ridicule, verbal abuse, and sometimes physical punishment.
Origin
The first known use of pillories dates back to ancient Greece. They were also widely used in medieval Europe and colonial America. The pillory was typically erected in a public square or market. Offenders were often displayed in the pillory for several hours or even days, depending on the severity of their crime.
Use
The pillory was used to punish a variety of offenses, including:
Decline
The use of pillories declined in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were increasingly seen as cruel and inhumane. In most countries, pillories were abolished by the end of the 19th century.
Modern Usage
Today, the term "pillory" is still used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is subjected to public humiliation or ridicule.
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