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

Then, if we do not obey their foolish rules, they nab us when we come into port again, and fine us—perhaps put us in the bilboes.

From Dulcibel A Tale of Old Salem by Pyle, Howard

"Good heavens, who wants to lock his ship in these accursed bilboes?" cried the purser.

From Hurricane Island by Watson, H. B. Marriott (Henry Brereton Marriott)

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

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