“We must put these things in the perspective of the age, its ubiquitous cruelty: flogging and beating were frequent, schoolmasters believed in beating learning into their pupils' heads — the exemplary {{w|Lady Jane Grey}} was frequently beaten for her book. For scolds there were {{w|Scold's bridle|brank}}s or gags across the mouth, spiked chastity-belts for unreliable wives, {{w|ducking stool}}s for women who made nuisances of themselves.”