Common Scold
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia · John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
One who, by the practice of frequent scolding, disturbs the neighborhood.
Bish. Crim. Law § 147.
The offence of being a common scold is cognizable at common law. It is a particular form of nuisance, and was punishable by the ducking-stool at common law, in place of which punishment fine and imprisonment are substituted in the United States; Whart. Cr. L. 1442; James v. Com., 12 S. & R. (Pa.) 220.
See 1 Term 748; 6 Mod. 11; 4 Rog. 90; 1 Russ. Cr. 302; Roscoe, Cr. Ev., Sth ed. 824; Baker v. State, 53 N. J. L. 45, 20 Atl. 858.