Peine Fort Et Dure
Defined in 1 dictionary — Bouvier (1839)
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
Eng. law, a punishment formerly inflicted in England, on a person who, being arraigned of felony, refused to plead and put himself on his trial, and stubbornly stood mute. He was to be laid down and as much weight was to be put upon him as he could bear, and more, until he died. This barbarous punishment has been abolished. Vide Mute.