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.

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

William James, for incontinency, was ſentenced to be ſet in the bilboes at Boſton and Salem, and bound in 20l.

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)

A slang term for the ship's irons or 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

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

The stocks soon superseded the bilboes and were near neighbors and amusement purveyors to the tavern.

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