Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Castigatory is an old punishment device used to punish people who were scolds, bakers, or brewers. It involved repeatedly plunging them underwater. It was also called a ducking stool, cucking stool, or trebucket. The punishment was to be placed in the device and then plunged into stinking water. This punishment was used a long time ago and is not used anymore.
Definition: A historical device used for punishing scolds, bakers, and brewers by repeatedly plunging them underwater or into stinking water. Also known as ducking stool, cucking stool, or trebucket.
Example: In ancient Saxon times, a device called the scealfing stole was used as a castigatory to punish scolds. In Domesday Book, it was referred to as cathedra stercoralis. The punishment involved repeatedly plunging the offender underwater. Bakers and brewers were also punished using this device by ducking them into stinking water, possibly into a midden.
Explanation: The example illustrates how castigatory was used as a device for punishing scolds, bakers, and brewers by repeatedly plunging them underwater or into stinking water. The punishment was meant to humiliate and shame the offender in public. The use of castigatory was prevalent in ancient times, and it was considered a legal punishment for scolds and other offenders.