'Cyphonism' definitions:

Definition of 'Cyphonism'

From: GCIDE

Cyphonism \Cyph"o*nism\ (s?f`?-n?z'm or s?"f?-), n. [Gr. ????, fr. ???? a crooked piece of wood, a sort of pillory, fr. ??? bent, stooping.] A punishment sometimes used by the ancients, consisting in the besmearing of the criminal with honey, and exposing him to insects. It is still in use among some Oriental nations. [1913 Webster]