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.

I would not be over-severe upon the bilboes in their special use in those early colonial settlements.

From Curious Punishments of Bygone Days by Earle, Alice Morse

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 old-fashioned arrangement of iron bars called the "bilboes" was fastened to the bulkhead at the bow end of the alleyway.

From The Black Buccaneer by Meader, Stephen W. (Stephen Warren)

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)

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