iron maiden
Hinged spike enclosure
An iron maiden is a supposed medieval torture device—a cabinet with interior spikes that would impale a person locked inside.
Historians generally consider it a later fabrication rather than an authentic medieval instrument.
The term now refers to any severe ordeal or to a harsh, unyielding woman: My boss is a real iron maiden. (Capitalized Iron Maiden is the British heavy metal band.)
Sharp metal protrusions
- coffinBurial container for remains
- hingedConnected by pivot joint
- enclosureConfined, bordered space
- executionCompleting a planned task
pain · suffering · inquisition · dungeon · tormentor · interrogation · cruelty · anguish
Of the Middle Ages
- museumPublic exhibit space
- exhibitionPublic display of items
- mythTraditional explanatory tale
- legendUnverified traditional tale
apocryphal · German · Nuremberg · 19th century · fabrication · replica · collector · antique
Unpleasantly severe or rough
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- sternStrict or ship's aft
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
spikes
Sharp metal protrusions
execution · pain · suffering · inquisition · dungeon · tormentor · interrogation · cruelty · anguish · impalement
medieval
Of the Middle Ages
- museumPublic exhibit space
- exhibitionPublic display of items
- mythTraditional explanatory tale
legend · apocryphal · German · Nuremberg · 19th century · fabrication · replica · collector · antique · macabre
harsh
Unpleasantly severe or rough
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- sternStrict or ship's aft
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- dungeondungeon, oubliette, cell bars, torture chamber, chains
- haunted attractionshaunted house, jump scare, haunted maze, jump scares, strobe light
- medieval itemssword, mace, flail, dagger, crossbow
- medieval justicetrial by combat, trial by ordeal, trial by fire, trial by jury, ordeal
- punishmentsjail, prison, timeout, grounded, fine
- punishment toolswhip, chains, shackles, rack, stocks
iron maidenthe rack
Body-stretching torture apparatus
guillotine · burning at the stake · drowning · hanging · crucifixion
iron maidenfeatherbed
Down-stuffed sleeping cushion
cradle · cocoon · warm embrace · massage chair · womb
iron maidenEnya
Irish new age singer
The Carpenters · easy listening · Barry Manilow · Kenny G · Air Supply
iron, maiden, ironclad, maidenly, ironwork, maidenhood, ironstone, ironworks, maidens