skimmington

 
Pronunciation: /ˈskɪmɪŋtən/

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: wife-beating was thought dishonourable and was punished in both England and America by riding skimmington

Origin:

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