a wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn

to rob, plunder, or loot, typically during times of war or civil unrest

the state of not being at a place or with a person when it is expected of one

to release someone from blame, guilt, or obligation, clearing them of any wrongdoing

consider apart from a particular case or instance

not prudent or wise

rude and with a lack of respect towards others, especially the elderly

powerlessness revealed by an inability to act

not capable of being carried out or put into practice

not politic

the most important dish of a meal

a little bit at a time

give life-time employment to

very delicate, watery, or thin

behaving in an unrestrained or unchecked manner, often to the point of being reckless or aggressive

a defensive wall or embankment built around a fortification or city for protection against enemy attacks