ducking stool

American  

noun

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

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ducking stool British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of ducking stool

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.

From Washington Post

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

From The Guardian

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.

From The Guardian

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From The Guardian