Stocks and Pillories

Stocks

Stocks and pillories were a form of Medieval, Renaissance, and Colonial punishment. The culprit was locked into a position for a certain amount of time, which became very uncomfortable. The device was usually made from wood with holes cut to secure either the head, hands, feet, or any combination. This form of punishment was also meant to humiliate.

Pillory

In addition other forms of abuse might be rendered while the person was secured in the device. Leaders hoped that seeing someone in such a position would serve as a deterrent to others.

Although they're often used as synonyms, technically stocks and pillories are different. Stocks always secure the feet and sometimes the hands, as well. The pillory usually locked down the head and hands, but not the feet. A person sat in the stocks but stood for the pillory. In Germany, a similar device was called a "pranger." No matter what it was called, however, it wasn't something you'd want to experience.

In the pillory

  

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