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Webster 1828 Edition

Bilboes

BIL'BOES

,
Noun.
plu.
On board of ships, long bars or bolts of iron with shackles sliding on them, and a lock at the end, used to confine the feet of prisoners or offenders. Hence the punishment of offenders in this manner is called by the same name.

Definition 2024

bilboes

bilboes

English

Noun

bilboes ‎(uncountable)

  1. (plural only) An iron bar fitting around the ankles of prisoners, and having sliding shackles.
    • 2001: The bilboes looked like handcuffs that went around the ankles. The prisoner lay flat on his back, in the dirt, his feet suspended in the air by a length of iron bar to which the bilboes were fastened. — Glen David Gold, Carter Beats The Devil

Anagrams

Etymology

Origin unknown.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈbɪlbəʊz/

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