1. A wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn
   "In medieval times, criminals were often placed in the pillory as punishment"

1. Expose to ridicule or public scorn
   "The media pilloried the politician for his scandalous behaviour";
   - gibbet
    
2. Punish by putting in a pillory
   "In medieval times, criminals were often pilloried in the town square"
    
3. Criticize harshly or violently
   "The press pilloried the new President";
   - savage, blast [informal], crucify

Derived forms: pilloried, pillories, pillorying

Type of: criticise [Brit], criticize, damn [informal], display, exhibit, expose, instrument of punishment, knock [informal], penalise [Brit], penalize, pick apart, punish, sanction

Encyclopedia: Pillory