Definition of "peine forte et dure" []

• Crushing, an old form of punishment (torture) in which the prisoner's body was pressed with heavy weights. (phrase)

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• "The proceedings seemed to have come to a definite end so far as he was concerned; for one had only to look at that granite face to realize that no peine forte et dure would ever force him to plead against his will."
• "He knew also that the peine forte et dure was inflicted for refusing to plead, and that this pirate, by de Silva's own account, had been found guilty."