Spot ran across this the other day, a more elaborate definition of the blog's namesake:
cucking-stool A machine formerly used for the punishment of scolds and brawling women; also a punishment antiently inflicted on brewers and bakers who transgressed the laws, and were, in such a chair or stool, to be ducked and immersed in some muddy or stinking pond. [Also called] a chocking-stool because scolds being thus punished are almost chocked with water ... The Saxons called it scealping stole.
Bailey, Nathaniel. An Universal Etymological English Dictionary, London, 1749.
No comments:
Post a Comment