Pillory Definition

pĭlə-rē
pilloried, pillories, pillorying
noun
pillories
A device consisting of a wooden board with holes for the head and hands, in which petty offenders were formerly locked and exposed to public scorn.
Webster's New World
Any exposure to public scorn, etc.
Webster's New World
verb
pilloried, pillories, pillorying
To punish by placing in a pillory.
Webster's New World
To subject to harsh public criticism or ridicule.
Webster's New World

To criticize harshly.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Pillory

Noun

Singular:
pillory
Plural:
pillories

Origin of Pillory

  • Middle English from Old French pilori probably from Latin pīla pillar

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • French pilori.

    From Wiktionary

Pillory Sentence Examples

  • He was sentenced to an hour in the pillory, which was remitted, and to fine and imprisonment, which were enforced.

  • On Ascension Day 1528 he committed an outrage on the sacrament carried in procession; he was placed in the pillory, had his tongue bored, and was banished from Delft for three years.

  • In 1581 he became acquainted with Edward Kelly, an apothecary, who had been convicted of forgery and had lost both ears in the pillory at Lancaster.

  • An inquisition held in 1383 discloses two markets, a merchant gild, pillory and tumbrel.

  • Among the subjects of antiquarian interest are Queenzie Neuk, the spot where Queen Mary rested on her journey to Langside, the old steeple and pillory built in the reign of Charles I., the Mote Hill, the old Runic cross, and the carved gateway in the palace park.

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Words Starting With

PPIPIL

Words Ending With

YRYORY

Unscrambles

pillory

Words Starting With P and Ending With Y

Starts With P & Ends With YStarts With PI & Ends With YStarts With P & Ends With RY

Word Length

7 Letter Words7 Letter Words Starting With P7 Letter Words Ending With Y