Pillory vs Stock: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Are you familiar with the terms pillory and stock? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between pillory and stock and when to use each one.

Pillory and stock are both instruments of punishment that were used in the past. The pillory was a wooden frame with holes for the head and hands, where the offender would be locked in and exposed to public ridicule and abuse. On the other hand, the stock was a similar device that immobilized the offender’s ankles or wrists, often used in pairs to restrain both limbs.

While both pillory and stock were used for public humiliation and punishment, they were used in different ways. The pillory was used to expose the offender to the public, while the stock was used to physically restrain the offender. Therefore, if you are referring to a device used to expose someone to public ridicule, you should use the word pillory. If you are referring to a device used to restrain someone, you should use the word stock.

Now that we have clarified the difference between pillory and stock, let’s dive deeper into the history and usage of these two words.

Define Pillory

The pillory is a device used for public punishment in which an offender’s head and hands are locked in a wooden frame. The frame is mounted on a post, exposing the offender to public ridicule and scorn. The pillory was commonly used in Europe and the United States during the medieval and early modern periods as a form of punishment for crimes such as theft, perjury, and blasphemy.

Define Stock

The stock is a similar device to the pillory, used for public punishment in which an offender’s feet and sometimes hands are locked in a wooden frame. The frame is mounted on a post, exposing the offender to public ridicule and scorn. The stock was commonly used in Europe and the United States during the medieval and early modern periods as a form of punishment for crimes such as drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and minor theft.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial in effective communication. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words “pillory” and “stock” in a sentence.

How To Use “Pillory” In A Sentence

“Pillory” is a noun that refers to a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, used for public punishment and humiliation. Here are some examples of how to use “pillory” in a sentence:

• After being caught stealing, the thief was placed in the pillory for all to see.
• The town square had a permanent pillory for public punishment.
• The use of the pillory as a form of punishment was abolished in the 19th century.

It is important to note that “pillory” can also be used as a verb, meaning to expose someone to public ridicule or criticism. Here are some examples:

• The politician was pilloried in the press for his controversial remarks.
• The company was pilloried on social media for their poor customer service.

How To Use “Stock” In A Sentence

“Stock” is a noun that refers to a wooden device consisting of a frame with holes for securing a person’s ankles and sometimes wrists, used for punishment and restraint. Here are some examples of how to use “stock” in a sentence:

• The prisoner’s ankles were locked in the stocks as punishment for his crimes.
• The town’s drunkard was often found sleeping in the stocks.
• The use of the stocks as a form of punishment was common in medieval times.

Aside from its use as a noun, “stock” can also be used as a verb, meaning to keep a supply of something for use or sale. Here are some examples:

• The store stocks a wide variety of products for its customers.
• The company is currently working to stock up on inventory for the busy holiday season.

More Examples Of Pillory & Stock Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between pillory and stock, it’s important to examine how each word is used in context. Here are some examples of how these words are used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Pillory In A Sentence

• After being found guilty of stealing, the thief was sentenced to a month in the pillory.
• The town square had a pillory where criminals were publicly punished.
• The judge ordered the defendant to stand in the pillory for two hours as punishment for his crime.
• During colonial times, the pillory was a common form of punishment for those who broke the law.
• The convicted man’s head and hands were locked in the pillory for all to see.
• People would often throw rotten food at those in the pillory as a form of public humiliation.
• The use of the pillory as a punishment was abolished in the United States in the late 18th century.
• He was placed in the pillory for speaking out against the government.
• The villagers gathered around to watch as the thief was placed in the pillory.
• She was sentenced to a week in the pillory for stealing from the local store.

Examples Of Using Stock In A Sentence

• The prisoner’s ankles were locked in the stock as he awaited his punishment.
• During the Middle Ages, the stock was a common form of punishment for minor offenses.
• The town had a permanent stock in the town square for public punishment.
• He was placed in the stock for a day as punishment for his drunken behavior.
• The stocks were often used as a way to publicly shame and humiliate offenders.
• The use of the stock as a punishment was eventually phased out in the 19th century.
• The man’s head and hands were locked in the stock as he awaited his punishment.
• She was placed in the stock for a few hours as punishment for disrupting the peace.
• The villagers gathered around to watch as the thief was placed in the stock.
• He was sentenced to a week in the stock for stealing from the local market.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the use of the pillory and stock, people often make the mistake of using the terms interchangeably. However, these two forms of punishment are distinct and have different uses. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using pillory and stock:

Confusing Pillory With Stock

One of the most common mistakes people make is using the term “pillory” to refer to both the pillory and the stock. While both are forms of punishment that involve restraining a person’s head and hands, they are different in design and usage.

The pillory is a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, which was used to publicly humiliate and punish offenders. The offender’s head and hands were locked in the pillory, exposing them to ridicule and abuse from the public.

The stock, on the other hand, is a wooden board with holes for the head and feet. It was used to punish offenders by immobilizing them, making it difficult for them to move or escape. Unlike the pillory, the stock was not used for public humiliation, but rather as a means of punishment and restraint.

Using The Terms Interchangeably

Another common mistake is using the terms “pillory” and “stock” interchangeably, without understanding their differences. This can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, especially when discussing historical punishments or legal matters.

It is important to use the correct term when referring to the pillory or stock, depending on the context and purpose of the punishment. Using the wrong term can also be seen as a sign of ignorance or lack of knowledge.

Assuming They Are Still In Use

Many people assume that the pillory and stock are still in use as forms of punishment, but this is not the case. Both forms of punishment were abolished in most countries by the 19th century, due to their cruel and inhumane nature.

However, the pillory and stock are still used as historical artifacts and tourist attractions in some places, such as museums and historical sites. It is important to understand their historical significance and context, without promoting or glorifying their use as tools of punishment.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Research and learn about the differences between the pillory and stock, including their design, usage, and historical context.
• Use the correct term when referring to the pillory or stock, depending on the context and purpose of the punishment.
• Avoid promoting or glorifying the use of the pillory and stock as tools of punishment, and instead focus on their historical significance and context.

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between pillory and stock, context is everything. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between pillory and stock might change.

Public Shaming

One context in which pillory and stock were historically used was public shaming. Pillories were often used to punish those who committed crimes such as theft, fraud, or perjury. The offender’s head and hands would be locked in the wooden frame, leaving them exposed to public ridicule and sometimes even physical abuse. Stocks, on the other hand, were typically used to punish those who committed minor offenses such as drunkenness or disorderly conduct. The offender’s ankles would be locked in the wooden frame, leaving them immobilized but not as exposed as they would be in a pillory.

However, the context of public shaming has changed over time. Today, public shaming is generally frowned upon and considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment. As a result, both pillory and stock are rarely used in this context anymore.

Historical Reenactments

Another context in which pillory and stock are sometimes used is historical reenactments. These events aim to recreate life in a particular time period, often involving actors playing the roles of historical figures. Pillories and stocks can be used as props to add authenticity to the reenactment.

In this context, the choice between pillory and stock may depend on the time period being depicted. For example, pillories were more commonly used in medieval Europe, while stocks were more commonly used in colonial America.

Artistic Expression

Pillories and stocks have also been used as inspiration for artists. For example, the French artist Jean-Jacques Lequeu created a series of architectural drawings featuring pillories and stocks. These drawings were not intended to be functional, but rather as a form of artistic expression.

In this context, the choice between pillory and stock is largely irrelevant. The artist may choose to depict one or the other based on their personal preference or the needs of their artistic vision.

The choice between pillory and stock can depend on a variety of factors, including the context in which they are used. While they were historically used for public shaming, this context has largely fallen out of favor. Today, they are more commonly used in historical reenactments or as inspiration for artists.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the use of pillory and stock was widespread in the past, there were some exceptions where the rules for their usage did not apply. These exceptions were often based on specific circumstances or the nature of the crime committed.

Exceptions For Pillory

One exception to the use of pillory was for individuals who were considered too important or influential to be subjected to public humiliation. This was often the case with members of the nobility or high-ranking government officials. Instead of being placed in the pillory, they were often fined or imprisoned.

Another exception was for individuals who were physically unable to stand in the pillory for an extended period of time. This included the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. In these cases, alternative forms of punishment were often used.

Exceptions For Stock

Similar to the pillory, the use of stock also had exceptions. One such exception was for individuals who had committed serious crimes such as murder or treason. In these cases, the stock was not considered a severe enough punishment and they were often sentenced to death instead.

Another exception was for individuals who were too young to be placed in the stock. This was often the case with children who had committed minor offenses. Instead of being placed in the stock, they were often given a less severe punishment such as a fine or community service.

While the pillory and stock were commonly used forms of punishment in the past, there were exceptions where their usage did not apply. These exceptions were often based on specific circumstances or the nature of the crime committed. It is important to understand these exceptions in order to gain a better understanding of the historical context surrounding these forms of punishment.

Practice Exercises

Learning new vocabulary words can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier to incorporate them into your writing and conversation. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of the words “pillory” and “stock” in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence:

Sentence	Word Choices
The criminal was placed in the ____________ for public humiliation.	Pillory, Stock
During colonial times, the ____________ was used as a form of punishment.	Pillory, Stock
She was forced to stand in the ____________ for hours as punishment for her crimes.	Pillory, Stock
The thief was locked in the ____________ for stealing bread.	Pillory, Stock

Answer Key:

• The criminal was placed in the pillory for public humiliation.
• During colonial times, the stock was used as a form of punishment.
• She was forced to stand in the pillory for hours as punishment for her crimes.
• The thief was locked in the stock for stealing bread.

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

Word	Sentence
Pillory
Stock

Answer Key:

• Pillories were often used in medieval times to punish people for their crimes.
• The prisoner’s head and hands were locked in the stock as a form of public humiliation.

Practice these exercises to improve your understanding and use of the words “pillory” and “stock”. With time and practice, you’ll be able to incorporate these words seamlessly into your writing and conversation.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between pillory and stock, it is clear that these two punishments were distinct and served different purposes in history. While both were used as forms of public humiliation and punishment, pillory was primarily used for verbal offenses and stock was used for physical offenses. Additionally, pillory was often used as a means of shaming and ridiculing individuals, while stock was used as a means of restraint and confinement.

It is important to note that these punishments are no longer in use today, and have been replaced by more humane forms of punishment. However, understanding the history and evolution of language and grammar is still relevant today. By continuing to learn about the intricacies of language use, we can better communicate with others and avoid misunderstandings.

Key Takeaways:

• Pillory and stock were both forms of public punishment used in history.
• Pillory was primarily used for verbal offenses, while stock was used for physical offenses.
• Pillory was used as a means of shaming and ridiculing individuals, while stock was used as a means of restraint and confinement.
• These punishments are no longer in use today, and have been replaced by more humane forms of punishment.
• Understanding the history and evolution of language and grammar is still relevant today.

Overall, by delving into the differences between pillory and stock, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which language and punishment have evolved over time. It is important to continue learning about these topics and to strive for clear and effective communication in all aspects of our lives.