Stocks
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STOCKS, crim. law. A machine commonly made of wood, with boles in it, in
which to confine persons accused of or guilty of a crime.
2. It was used either to confine unruly offenders by way of security,
or convicted criminals for punishment.
3. This barbarous punishment has been generally abandoned in the United
States.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.