Cŭck'ing-stool, n.

n. [Perhaps only a corruption of ducking-stool, q. v. Cf. A-S. scealding-stōl, a word of similar meaning, allied to scealfor, a diver, mergus avis. But as in O. Eng. it is spelt cokyngestoole, it may be derived from the Fr. coquine, a hussy, slut, jade, f. of coquin, O. Eng. cokīn, a rascal.] A ducking-stool; an instrument formerly used for punishing scolds, and also dishonest craftsmen, as brewers and bakers, by fastening them to it and then plunging them into the water;—called also a castigatory, a tumbrel, and a trebuchet.