Rack

,—an engine of torture, commodiously fitted up with cords, pincers, flesh-hooks, &c. &c. used chiefly for extorting confession from innocent men. In England the rack has been out of use ever since the mild reign of Tyrant Elizabeth, but, it is reported, has been proposed in the Cabinet Council to be renewed for the accommodation of the Jacobines of the present day. It was introduced here by a duke of Exeter, in the reign of Tyrant Henry VI. and has, from that circumstance, been called, “The Duke of Exeter’s Daughter;” so that is should be exercised only on the nobility, as it would be highly degrading for a duke’s daughter to have a criminal connection with any but of noble or royal blood.