ducking-stool

1 definition found

ducking-stool - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  DUCKING-STOOL, punishment. An instrument used, in dipping women in the 
  water, as a punishment, on conviction of being common scolds. It is 
  sometimes confounded with tumbrel. (q.v.) 
       2. This barbarous punishment was never in use in Pennsylvania. 12 Serg. 
  & Rawle, 220.