ducking stool

noun

1. a former instrument of punishment consisting of a chair in which an offender was tied to be plunged into water.

ducking stool

noun

1. history a chair or stool used for the punishment of offenders by plunging them into water

Word History and Origins

Origin of ducking stool¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

This ducking stool was intended for the special benefit of vixens and scolding wives.

From Project Gutenberg

He conceived the grotesque idea that the ducking-stool would be about the thing.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the law, made and provided, that a ducking-stool should be set up "neere the court-house in every county."

From Project Gutenberg

We had not known that it was a place of such associations as the words "Ducking-stool Point" indicated.

From Project Gutenberg

He hath much too wholesome a regard for the ducking-stool to cause further mischief.

From Project Gutenberg