Pillory

usgb/ˈpɪləri/
noun

An open frame device where people were locked and publicly shamed in the past.

People who committed minor crimes were often punished in the pillory.
Visual representation of "pillory" - An open frame device where people were locked and publicly shamed in the past

Often appears as...

  • put in the pillory
  • stand in the pillory

Usage tips

Formal

Historical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "pillory"
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Historical Punishment

Understand pillory was a historical device for physical and social punishment, not used today.

Illustration for Historical Punishment
Museums may display a pillory to illustrate medieval justice.
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Public Shame

Recognize pillory involved community humiliation, revealing stigma attached to certain crimes.

Illustration for Public Shame
The town square had a pillory where petty thieves were displayed.
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Metaphorical Usage

Realize 'pillory' may be used metaphorically to describe someone being harshly criticized.

Illustration for Metaphorical Usage
The actor felt like he was in the pillory after bad reviews.
Visual representation of the word "Pillory"

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