Definition of Pillory

1. Noun. A wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn.

Generic synonyms: Instrument Of Punishment

2. Verb. Expose to ridicule or public scorn.
Exact synonyms: Gibbet
Generic synonyms: Display, Exhibit, Expose

3. Verb. Punish by putting in a pillory.
Generic synonyms: Penalise, Penalize, Punish

4. Verb. Criticize harshly or violently. "The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage"
Exact synonyms: Blast, Crucify, Savage
Generic synonyms: Criticise, Criticize, Knock, Pick Apart

Definition of Pillory


2. v. t. To set in, or punish with, the pillory.

Definition of Pillory

1. Noun. A framework on a post, with holes for the hands and head, used as a means of punishment and humiliation. ¹

2. Verb. (transitive) To put in a pillory. ¹

3. Verb. (transitive) To subject to humiliation, scorn, ridicule or abuse. ¹

4. Verb. (transitive) To criticize harshly. ¹

¹ Source:

Definition of Pillory

1. to expose to public ridicule or abuse [v -RIED, -RYING, -RIES]

Pillory Pictures


Lexicographical Neighbors of Pillory

pillory (current term)
pillow block
pillow case
pillow cases
pillow fight
pillow fights
pillow lace
pillow lava
pillow lavas
pillow sham

Literary usage of Pillory


"Every one that hath a leet or market ought to have a pillory who shall find and tumbrel to punish offenders ; and it seems that a leet may be them, ..."

2. A Digest of the Laws of England by Anthony Hammond, John Comyns (1826)
"The pillory is the usual punishment of any convicted of an infamous crime ... A pillory and tumbrel, which are infamous, ought not to be used without good ..."

""1л Edinburgh the pillory is called the Troue;" Radd. There teems to be no reason for the ... To subject to the disgraceful punishment of the pillory. ..."

4. The Chronicles of Newgate by Arthur Griffiths (1884)
"Again in 1383, William Berham for slandering the Mayor was adjudged to be put upon the pillory on the same day, there to stand for one hour of the day with ..."

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