third degree

Freemasons wear symbolic aprons and progress through degrees of membership, with the phrase "giving someone the third degree" originating from its final stage of initiation.

The state of Georgia considers cruelty to children in the third degree to be a misdemeanor.

In December 2023 a Manhattan jury found Majors guilty on one count of assault in the third degree and one count of harassment in the second degree.

"Most of them have extensive burn injuries, above 18% surface body area, second and third degree burns on the head, neck, upper torso, and upper limbs - hands and fingers," he said.

It was known as “the third degree” and involved tactics that today would be considered torture: brutal beatings; deprivation of food, water, sleep and toilets; prolonged confinement.