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

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

From The Guardian

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

From Project Gutenberg

A tooth out, the strappado, or the rack?

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

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

From Project Gutenberg