Associations to the word «Pillory»

Wiktionary

PILLORY, noun. A framework on a post, with holes for the hands and head, used as a means of punishment and humiliation.
PILLORY, verb. (transitive) To put in a pillory.
PILLORY, verb. (transitive) To subject to humiliation, scorn, ridicule or abuse.
PILLORY, verb. (transitive) To criticize harshly.

Dictionary definition

PILLORY, 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.
PILLORY, verb. Expose to ridicule or public scorn.
PILLORY, verb. Punish by putting in a pillory.
PILLORY, verb. Criticize harshly or violently; "The press savaged the new President"; "The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage".

Wise words

We should have a great fewer disputes in the world if words were taken for what they are, the signs of our ideas only, and not for things themselves.
John Locke