bilboes

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bill burst out, "I forgot he's in the bilboes, Miss. Now ain't that a dummed shame?"

From Gold Out of Celebes by Dingle, Aylward Edward

John Smith, of Medford, for ſwearing, being penitent, was ſet in bilboes.

From The Olden Time Series, Vol. 5: Some Strange and Curious Punishments Gleanings Chiefly from Old Newspapers of Boston and Salem, Massachusetts by Brooks, Henry M. (Henry Mason)

And another, the same year, for threatening—were he punished—he would carry the case to England, was summarily and fearlessly thrust into the bilboes.

From Curious Punishments of Bygone Days by Earle, Alice Morse

The bilboes were the first engine of punishment in Boston, and were used until 1639, and perhaps much later.

From Stage-coach and Tavern Days by Earle, Alice Morse

Restraint, durance, confinement under arrest, or in the bilboes.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir