An engine of correction for .common scolds, which in the Saxon language is said to signify the scolding-stool, though now it is frequently corrupted into ducking-stool , because the judgment was that, when the woman was placed therein, she should be plunged in the water for her punishment. It was also variously called a “trebucket,” “tumbrel,” or “castiga- tory.” 3 Inst. 219; 4 Bl. Comm. 1G9; Brown. James v. Comm., 12 Serg. & R. (Pa.) 220.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
