cucking stool Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an instrument of punishment consisting of a chair in which offenders were ducked in water
    ducking stool.

WordNet

Cuck"ing stool`
Etymology
Cf. AS. scealfingstol, a word of similar meaning, allied to scealfor a diver, mergus avis; or possibly from F. coquine a hussy, slut, jade, f. of coquin, OE. cokin, a rascal; or cf. Icel. kka to dung, kkr dung, the name being given as to a disgracing or infamous punishment.
Definitions
  1. A kind of chair formerly used for punishing scolds, and also dishonest tradesmen, by fastening them in it, usually in front of their doors, to be pelted and hooted at by the mob, but sometimes to be taken to the water and ducked; -- called also a castigatory, a tumbrel, and a trebuchet; and often, but not so correctly, a ducking stool. Sir. W. Scott.

Webster 1913