strappado

[ struh-pey-doh, -pah- ]

noun

, plural strap·pa·does.

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

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

From Project Gutenberg

I did hear that, as this raid of some privates interfered with the Dutch general's diet, one of the offenders got the strappado.

From Project Gutenberg

I'd strappado you and then hang you within the next half-hour.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

If I die, let my boy Robin have the strappado, three hours a day, to be duly paid him during life.

From Project Gutenberg