The phrase "rid out on rail" refers to a form of punishment or exile, typically as a result of public outrage or condemnation. This expression is derived from a historical practice in which an individual deemed undesirable or guilty of misconduct would be forcibly removed from a community, town, or society by being tied to a rail and physically carried or hauled away.
In this context, "rid" means to eliminate or get rid of, while a "rail" is a long and sturdy piece of wood or metal. The image of being "ridden out on rail" conveys a sense of disgrace, humiliation, and social rejection, often as a consequence of serious transgressions or perceived betrayal of trust.
Being "ridden out on rail" is considered a severe and public form of punishment, emphasizing the community's collective disapproval and determination to remove the individual from their midst. It symbolizes an act of shunning or banishment carried out by the community as a means of maintaining social order, protecting its values, and deterring others from engaging in similar behavior.
Today, while the physical act of "riding out on rail" is rare, the term is still utilized figuratively to describe someone being forcefully expelled or ostracized from a group or society due to their actions or beliefs. It illustrates the strong disapproval and rejection by a community, often resulting in a loss of reputation, social standing, and connections.
