Definition of "skimmington" [skim•ming•ton]

• A person impersonating his/her offending spouse in a procession with the aim of ridicule. (noun)
• A ludicrous procession for the purpose of ridiculing (a person's offending spouse). (noun)
• A cuckold (noun)

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• "Casterbridge were interrupted by an event of such magnitude that its influence reached to the lowest social stratum there, stirring the depths of its society simultaneously with the preparations for the skimmington."
• "This was barred, and while the landlady was unfastening it the conversation about the skimmington was continued in the sitting-room, and reached his ears."
• "Almost at the instant of her fall the rude music of the skimmington ceased."