the rack
Limb-pulling torture device
The rack refers to a medieval torture device that stretched the victim's body by pulling the limbs in opposite directions.
The phrase survives in on the rack, meaning under extreme pressure or anguish: The waiting put her on the rack.
To rack one's brain is to strain mentally, as if under torture.
The rack also names a cut of meat—ribs still attached—and billiard equipment for arranging balls.
- iron maidenSpike-lined torture cabinet
- thumbscrewCompression torture device
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- agonyExtreme physical or emotional pain
- pilloryPublic punishment restraint
stocks · cat-o'-nine-tails · branding iron · torment · gibbet · endurance · pressure · stress · hardship · anguish · oppression · torture · antlers · despair · stretching · ribs
- medieval justicetrial by combat, trial by ordeal, trial by fire, trial by jury, ordeal
- punishmentsjail, prison, timeout, grounded, fine
- torturethumbscrew, thumbscrews, iron maiden, waterboarding, flaying
- torture devicesiron maiden, thumbscrew, thumbscrews, pillory, stocks
- Inquisitioninquisition, heretic, inquisitors, heretics, heresy trial
- executionsexecution, execution chamber, hanging, guillotine, executioner
the rackcomfort
Ease or soothing relief
sanctuary · relief · ease · healing hands · massage table
the rackfreedom
Absence of constraint
liberty · release · free speech · emancipation · pardon