
Pillory
Historical Punishment
Understand pillory was a historical device for physical and social punishment, not used today.
Museums may display a pillory to illustrate medieval justice.
Public Shame
Recognize pillory involved community humiliation, revealing stigma attached to certain crimes.
The town square had a pillory where petty thieves were displayed.
Metaphorical Usage
Realize 'pillory' may be used metaphorically to describe someone being harshly criticized.
The actor felt like he was in the pillory after bad reviews.
Compare with
CondemnationDegradationDisgraceGibbetHumiliateScaffoldShameStock
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