Pillory Definition

pĭlə-rē
pilloried, pillories, pillorying
noun
pillories
A device consisting of a wooden board with holes for the head and hands, in which petty offenders were formerly locked and exposed to public scorn.
Webster's New World
Any exposure to public scorn, etc.
Webster's New World
verb
pilloried, pillories, pillorying
To punish by placing in a pillory.
Webster's New World
To subject to harsh public criticism or ridicule.
Webster's New World
Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Pillory

Noun

Singular:
pillory
Plural:
pillories

Origin of Pillory

  • Middle English from Old French pilori probably from Latin pīla pillar

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • French pilori.

    From Wiktionary

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pillory