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Translation

ducking stool

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The term "ducking stool" refers to a historical punishment device used mainly in the past, particularly in Europe. Let's break it down for better understanding:

Definition

A ducking stool is a type of chair that was used as a punishment for people accused of certain crimes, especially for women who were thought to be witches or for those who were considered to be troublesome. The chair was attached to a long beam, and the person sitting in it would be "ducked" or plunged into water. This was meant to humiliate them and serve as a warning to others.

Usage Instructions
  • Context: The term is mostly used in historical discussions or in literature that relates to past practices of punishment.
  • Form: It is a noun, so it can be used in sentences as a subject or an object.
Example Sentence
  • "In the 17th century, women accused of witchcraft were sometimes subjected to the ducking stool as a form of punishment."
Advanced Usage

While "ducking stool" is not commonly used in modern conversation, you might find it in historical texts, documentaries, or discussions about the history of justice and punishment.

Word Variants

There are no direct variants of "ducking stool," but you can explore related terms: - Ducking: The act of plunging something into water. - Stool: A type of seat, often without a back or arms.

Different Meaning

In modern times, "ducking" can also refer to the act of quickly lowering one’s head or body to avoid something, not related to the punishment.

Synonyms

While there are no perfect synonyms for "ducking stool," you might use the following terms in different contexts: - Water torture: A broader term for punishments involving water. - Stocks: Another form of historical punishment where the offender's feet or hands are locked in a wooden frame.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
  • There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "ducking stool," but you might encounter phrases like "ducking for cover," which means to quickly hide or protect oneself from something.
Summary

In summary, a "ducking stool" is a historical punishment device used to humiliate offenders by submerging them in water.

Noun
  1. an instrument of punishment consisting of a chair in which offenders were ducked in water

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