Meaning of hookswinging | Babel Free
Definitions
A ritualistic form of torture in which a volunteer was hung from hooks attached to the flesh on the back.
Examples
“In late October 1891, the Madras Mail¹ brought dramatic attention to the fact that “the barbarous and cruel custom of hookswinging to propitiate the Goddess of Rain⟳, which has been obsolete for some time, has been revived at Sholavandan near Madura.””
CEFR level
C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See also
Know this word better than we do? Language is a living thing — help us keep it growing. Collaborate with Babel Free