DUCKING STOOL Meaning and
Definition
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Ducking stool, also known as a cucking stool, refers to a device or an apparatus that was historically used as a form of punishment or public humiliation. The term originated in medieval times, predominantly in Europe and colonial America, but variations of it can be found in other cultures as well.
The ducking stool typically consists of a chair or a seat, often made of wood, affixed to a long beam or lever. The apparatus is generally positioned above a body of water, such as a river or pond. Primarily used for punishing women, particularly accused or convicted of petty crimes or perceived moral offenses, the ducking stool was also occasionally employed for men.
The victim is seated on the chair, which is then slowly lowered into the water, submerging the person briefly and periodically. This act is usually repeated several times, acting as both a physical punishment and a public spectacle. The intention is to embarrass and shame the individual while inflicting discomfort. The dunking is sometimes accompanied by jeering crowds, taunts, or other abusive behavior.
The ducking stool was deemed a form of punishment to maintain social order and enforce community standards. It was commonly associated with offenses such as scolding, nagging, witchcraft, and other forms of perceived indecent or immoral conduct. Fortunately, the use of ducking stools has long been abolished, as it is now recognized as an inhumane and outdated practice that violates modern concepts of human rights and dignity.
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A mode of punishment for scolding women, who were placed on a stool, and then let down into the water-should be written cucking-stool as the proper term.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DUCKING STOOL
- rucking stool
- eucking stool
- dycking stool
- dhcking stool
- djcking stool
- dicking stool
- d8cking stool
- d7cking stool
- duxking stool
- duvking stool
- dufking stool
- dudking stool
- ducjing stool
- ducming stool
- ducling stool
- ducoing stool
- duciing stool
- duckung stool
- duckjng stool
Etymology of DUCKING STOOL
The word "ducking stool" originated in Middle English and the etymology of each component of the word is as follows:
1. Ducking: The term "ducking" comes from the verb "to duck", which means to plunge, dip, or immerse someone or something in water. The Middle English word "duken" derived from the Old English word "ducian", meaning "to dive" or "to plunge".
2. Stool: In this context, "stool" refers to a seat or a chair. It comes from the Middle English word "stōl", which traces its origins back to the Old English word "stōl", meaning "seat" or "throne".
The combination of these two words, "ducking" and "stool", creates the term "ducking stool", which refers to a punishment device historically used to punish or humiliate individuals by immersing them underwater.
Similar spelling words for DUCKING STOOL
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