strappado

[struh-pey-doh, -pah-]

noun

plural

strappadoes 

1. an old form of punishment or torture in which the victim, with arms bound behind, was raised from the ground by a rope fastened to the wrists, abruptly released, then arrested with a painful jerk just before reaching the ground.

2. the instrument used for this purpose.

strappado

/ strəˈpeɪdəʊ, -ˈpɑː- /

noun

1. a system of torture in which a victim was hoisted by a rope tied to his wrists and then allowed to drop until his fall was suddenly checked by the rope

Word History and Origins

Origin of strappado¹

1550–60; alteration of Middle French strapade or its source, Italian strappata a sharp pull or tug, equivalent to strapp- (stem of strappare to snatch (< Gothic strappan to stretch) + -ata -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of strappado¹

C16: from French strapade, from Italian strappare to tug sharply, probably of Germanic origin; related to German (dialect) strapfen to make taut

Example Sentences

Horrific punishments such as the strappado – where a person was suspended by their wrists tied behind their back – were matters of public spectacle.

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If the podesta lays hold of you, it means the strappado, and perhaps worse.

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A tooth out, the strappado, or the rack?

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Nay, rather the strappado for me, at any time, than abandonment to foolishness so crass as this would be.

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After a smart administration of the strappado, he proceeded to examine the contents of his pinafore, which was bundled round him.

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