Search results
- DictionaryPil·lo·ry/ˈpilərē/
noun
- 1. a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which an offender was imprisoned and exposed to public abuse.
verb
- 1. put (someone) in a pillory. historical
- 2. attack or ridicule publicly: "he found himself pilloried by members of his own party"
1. : a device formerly used for publicly punishing offenders consisting of a wooden frame with holes in which the head and hands can be locked. 2. : a means for exposing one to public scorn or ridicule.
Pillory definition: a wooden framework erected on a post, with holes for securing the head and hands, formerly used to expose an offender to public derision.. See examples of PILLORY used in a sentence.
The pillory is a device made of a wooden or metal framework erected on a post, with holes for securing the head and hands, used during the medieval and renaissance periods for punishment by public humiliation and often further physical abuse.
PILLORY definition: 1. to severely criticize someone, especially in a public way: 2. to severely criticize someone…. Learn more.
PILLORY meaning: 1. to severely criticize someone, especially in a public way: 2. to severely criticize someone…. Learn more.
1. a wooden framework erected on a post, with holes for securing the head and hands, formerly used to expose an offender to public derision. v.t. 2. to set in the pillory. 3. to expose to public derision or abuse.
As a modern verb, pillory means both to criticize harshly and to expose to public ridicule. Someone who is caught doing something immoral may be pilloried and people who believe they have been unfairly criticized say they have been pilloried, but often only after they've been exposed!
