An iron maiden is a torture device first attested in the 19th century and believed to have medieval origins. It appears as a human-shaped chamber with scores of interior spikes meant to impale a victim from all sides when closed. Although no such devices existed in the Dark Ages and feudal Europe, the iron maiden may have been inspired by Ancient Greek torture methods. It is nonetheless popular in medieval fantasy fiction.
Usage
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This is an etymology page: a page detailing the origins of terminology used in the series in regards to real world culture and history.
