pitch-cap

Definition

Noun: - A historical instrument of torture, consisting of a cap or helmet lined with pitch (a black, sticky substance derived from tar or petroleum) that was placed on a person's head and then ignited or heated to inflict pain. - The pitch-cap was one of many cruel devices used during interrogations in the past.

Usage Examples

• (The victim had a pitch-lined cap placed on his head and set on fire or heated.)
• (The device is noted for its extreme cruelty in historical records.)

Advanced Usage

• "to suffer under the pitch-cap": to endure severe torture or oppression.
  • In the dark ages, many innocents suffered under the pitch-cap. (They were tortured using this device.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pitch (n): a black, sticky substance used in making roads, roofing, and historically in torture.
  • The pitch in the cap was heated until it became molten. (The tar-like material was liquefied by heat.)
• Cap (n): a head covering.
  • The cap was designed to fit tightly over the victim's head. (The headgear was snugly worn.)

Synonyms

• Torture device: an instrument used to inflict extreme pain.
  • The pitch-cap is a specific type of torture device. (It is a tool for causing suffering.)
• Instrument of torment: a tool designed to cause agony.
  • The pitch-cap was an instrument of torment in medieval justice. (It was used to inflict pain.)

Related Idioms

• To pitch a fit: to become very angry or upset (not directly related, but shares the word "pitch").
  • He pitched a fit when he heard the news. (He reacted with extreme anger.)
• To cap it all: to finish or top something off (shares "cap").
  • To cap it all, they used the pitch-cap as a final punishment. (The torture device was the climax of their cruelty.)