'Pillory' definitions:

Definition of 'pillory'

(from WordNet)
noun
A wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn
verb
Expose to ridicule or public scorn [syn: pillory, gibbet]
verb
Punish by putting in a pillory
verb
Criticize harshly or violently; "The press savaged the new President"; "The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage" [syn: savage, blast, pillory, crucify]

Definition of 'Pillory'

From: GCIDE
  • Pillory \Pil"lo*ry\, n.; pl. Pillories. [F. pilori; cf. Pr. espitlori, LL. piloricum, pilloricum, pellericum, pellorium, pilorium, spilorium; perhaps from a derivative of L. speculari to look around, observe. Cf. Speculate.] A frame of adjustable boards erected on a post, and having holes through which the head and hands of an offender were thrust so as to be exposed in front of it. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Pillory'

From: GCIDE
  • Pillory \Pil"lo*ry\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pilloried; p. pr. & vb. n. Pillorying.] [Cf. F. pilorier.]
  • 1. To set in, or punish with, the pillory. "Hungering for Puritans to pillory." --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Figuratively, to expose to public scorn. --Gladstone. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Pillory'