An engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles.
synonyms: arbalest, arbalist, ballista, bricole, catapult, mangonel, onager, trebucket.
Roget 975:
scourge,
rod,
cane,
stick;
ratan†,
rattan;
birch,
birch rod;
azote†,
blacksnake†,
bullwhack [U.S.],
chicote†,
kurbash†,
quirt,
rawhide,
sjambok†;
rod in pickle;
switch,
ferule,
cudgel,
truncheon.
whip,
bullwhip,
lash,
strap,
thong,
cowhide,
knout;
cat,
cat o'nine tails;
rope's end.
pillory,
stocks,
whipping post;
cucking stool†,
ducking stool;
brank†;
trebuchet†,
trebuket†.
[instruments of torture: list],
triangle,
wooden horse,
iron maiden,
thumbscrew,
boot,
rack,
wheel,
iron heel;
chinese water torture.
treadmill,
crank,
galleys.
scaffold;
block,
ax,
guillotine;
stake;
cross;
gallows,
gibbet,
tree,
drop,
noose,
rope,
halter,
bowstring;
death chair,
electric chair;
gas chamber;
lethal injection;
firing squad;
mecate†.
house of correction
etc.
(prison)
752.
goaler,
jailer;
executioner;
electrocutioner†;
lyncher;
hangman;
headsman†;
Jack Ketch.
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Dutch: slingerblijde, slingerarm
Polish: katapulta