peine forte et dure

Definition

Crushing, an old form of punishment (torture) in which the prisoner's body was pressed with heavy weights.

Etymology

Law French, from Middle French peine forte et dure (“severe and hard punishment”).

Example Sentences

• "It was a solid structure, with massy door, sooner than open which in the absence of the ‘Dominie’, we would all have willingly perished by the peine forte et dure."