Definition of skimmington in English:
skimmington
noun ˈskɪmɪŋtənˈskimiNGtən
historical A procession made through a village intended to bring ridicule on and make an example of a nagging wife or an unfaithful husband.
Example sentencesExamples
- I think it's high time we bring back the skimmington ride, this time with a bluesy rock n’ roll beat.
- A skimmington appears in Samuel Butler's ‘Hudibras,’ a poem that may have inspired Hogarth to try his hand at the topic.
- Other marital irregularities in Burbage at later periods gave cause for skimmingtons, which are recorded in 1625 and 1835.
- Athough skimmingtons and charivaris differed from place to place, they all contained similar elements.
- The hue and cry of this rough popular justice, akin to Europe's chiarivari and skimmingtons, led to the abusive oratory.
Phrases
historical Hold a skimmington procession.
rioters at Newark supposedly threatened to make the magistrates of that town ride skimmington
Example sentencesExamples
- The poor Tories are suffering the most cruel persecutions; some have been obliged to ride skimmington.
- The plaintiff declares, that he is a hackney- coachman, and that the defendant with an intent to disgrace him did ride Skimmington.
Origin
Early 17th century: perhaps from skimming ladle, used as a thrashing instrument during the procession.