A pillory is a historical device used for punishment and public humiliation. It typically consists of a wooden framework with holes for securing a person's head and hands. Offenders would be locked in the pillory, allowing the public to see them and sometimes throw objects at them as a form of ridicule. Pillories were commonly used in Europe and colonial America during the Middle Ages and into the 18th century. They served as a deterrent for minor crimes, such as theft or public disorder. Over time, the use of pillories declined, and they are now considered a relic of past judicial practices.