Pillory (Noun)

Definition 1: The noun refers to the frame with holes for the head and hands (the stocks) and the post on which it stands. It was designed as a form of punishment that exposed offenders to the community as an example. Used as a verb, "pillory" now means to viciously chastise someone publicly or subject them to extreme public scorn or ridicule.[@more@]

Usage 1: If you visit a Renaissance fair or historical reenactment, you might come across a pillory. Some towns and villages also keep a replica around for a laugh (or a reminder?) It's more likely that the verb will find its way into your vocabulary than the noun, thank goodness, and we bid another fond farewell those 'good old days' that weren't always so good.

Suggested usage: Apply today's word in episodes when someone is fairly or unfairly persecuted in public in an extreme fashion. "The fish arrived at the table cold for which Jeb pilloried the waiter." Avoid using this word as an exaggeration for effect as, "The teacher pilloried me in front of the whole class today for arriving late for only the fifth time this month!" Remember, the resultant embarrassment must be extreme.

Etymology: From Old French "pilori" which probably comes from the Latin pila "pillar." The pillory was used for centuries as a form of punishment the world over, from Asia and Europe to the New World. Its use in the UK and US was abandoned by the middle of the 19th century, but in England and Wales local statutes requiring villages to maintain stocks remain on the books and in the U.S. Delaware didn't abandon the pillory until 1905. (We offer some good public exposure today to Rolf Hertzman of Stockholm in gratitude for his raising questions about "pillory.")

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