Rack

Rack, an instrument of Torture (q.v.) used for extracting confessions from actual or suspected criminals, consisted of an oblong frame of wood, with a windlass arrangement at each end, to which the sufferer was bound by cords attached to his arms and legs. The unfortunate being was then stretched or pulled till he made confession, or till his limbs were dislocated. The rack was known to the Romans in Cicero's time, and in the 1st and 2d centuries A.D. was applied to the early Christians. According to Coke, it was introduced into England by the Duke of Exeter, Constable of the Tower in 1447, whence it came to be called the 'Duke of Exeter's daughter.' Its use first became common in the time of Henry VIII., but could only take place by warrant of council, or under the sign-manual. Under Elizabeth it was in almost constant use. In 1628, on the murder by Felton of the Duke of Buckingham, it being proposed by Charles I. to put the assassin to the rack, in order that he might discover his accomplices, the judges resisted the proceeding as contrary to the law of England. In various countries of Europe the rack has been much used both by the civil authorities in cases of traitors and conspirators, and by the Inquisition to extort a recantation of heresy. It is no longer in use in any part of the civilised world.