bastinade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare / ArchaicHistorical, formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “bastinade” mean?
To beat someone on the soles of the feet with a stick (a form of torture or punishment).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To beat someone on the soles of the feet with a stick (a form of torture or punishment).
Punishment or physical correction administered by caning or whipping, specifically to the feet.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No modern regional difference in usage; the term is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical brutality, corporal punishment, archaic legal systems.
Frequency
Virtually never encountered in contemporary English. More likely found in historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “bastinade” in a Sentence
[Subject] bastinaded [Object] (for [Reason]).[Subject] was bastinaded.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bastinade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The colonial official threatened to bastinade the captured rebel.
American English
- The historical account described how the sultan would bastinade offenders publicly.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form.]
American English
- [No adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form. 'Bastinaded' is the past participle.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival form. 'Bastinaded' is the past participle.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in specific historical or penal studies contexts.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Specific to historical discussions of torture or punishment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bastinade”
- Using it to mean a general beating (it's specific to the soles).
- Confusing it with the noun 'bastinado' (the stick or the punishment itself).
- Using it in modern contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and archaic term. You will only find it in historical texts or very specialised writing.
'Bastinade' is primarily the verb meaning to inflict the punishment. 'Bastinado' is the noun referring to the stick used, the punishment itself, or the act.
No. It is specific to beating the soles of the feet. Using it for a general beating is incorrect.
No. Its use in modern contexts would be confusing or pretentious. Use more common terms like 'cane', 'flog', or 'beat' instead.
To beat someone on the soles of the feet with a stick (a form of torture or punishment).
Bastinade is usually historical, formal, literary in register.
Bastinade: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbæstɪˈneɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbæstəˈneɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BASTinade' sounds like 'BASTing' (sewing loosely) + 'NADE' (like spade). Imagine loosely sewing a spade to someone's foot as a cruel punishment, which reminds you of beating the feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUNISHMENT IS PHYSICAL ASSAULT ON THE FOUNDATION (feet as foundation of the body).
Practice
Quiz
What is the specific meaning of 'to bastinade'?