little-ease
/ˈlɪtliːz/noun
1A place or bodily position that is very uncomfortable to be held in; a narrow place of confinement; a prison cell too small for the occupant to assume a comfortable position; specifically the name of a dungeon in the Tower of London, and of an ancient place of punishment for unruly apprentices at the Guildhall, London. Also: a device for holding a prisoner in a very uncomfortable position. Now historical.
2 Figurative and in figurative contexts. Now literary.
Origin
Early 16th century; earliest use found in John Skelton (c1460–1529), poet. From little + ease.