I. ˈpilərē, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French pilori
1. : a device for publicly punishing offenders consisting of a frame of adjustable boards erected on a post and having holes through which the head and hands of the offender were thrust — compare stock 4
2. : a means by which to expose to public scorn or ridicule
pillory by publicity today is nationwide — R.H.Paul & Philip Mandel
[s]pillory.jpg[/s] [
pillory 1
]
II. transitive verb
( pilloried ; pilloried ; pillorying ; pillories )
1. : to set in a pillory : punish with the pillory
2. : to expose or hold up to public contempt, ridicule, or scorn
a demagogue who has risen to power by pillorying good men — Newsweek