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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of ducking stool1

First recorded in 1590–1600
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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.

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

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.

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

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

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