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

Puritan-era America was rife with public humiliation in the form of pillories and ducking stools, but even in those cases, the accused went through a formal judicial process.

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The court of social media expressed astonishment, as usual appointing itself judge and jury and, in this case, ducking stool.

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His opposite number Stephen Donald, in contrast, was a candidate for the nearest ducking stool, missing all his three penalty shots at goal and being jeered by his own supporters.

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"Who is responsible for this conventicle?" he continued, urging his horse towards the ducking stool.

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Who better, then, to enjoy the ducking stool of misery and triumph that is Who Do You Think You Are?

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