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skimmington

Syllabification: (skim·ming·ton)
Pronunciation: /ˈskimiNGtən/
Definition of skimmington

noun

historical
  • a procession made through a village intended to bring ridicule on and make an example of a nagging wife or an unfaithful husband.

Phrases

ride skimmington

hold a skimmington procession.

Origin:

early 17th century: perhaps from skimming ladle, used as a thrashing instrument during the procession

skimmington in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of skimmington in the British & World English dictionary

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