Synonyms for lyncher
| Grammar : Noun |
| Spell : linch |
| Phonetic Transcription : lɪntʃ |
Top 10 synonyms for lyncher
Définition of lyncher
Origin :- 1835, from earlier Lynch law (1811), likely named after William Lynch (1742-1820) of Pittsylvania, Virginia, who c.1780 led a vigilance committee to keep order there during the Revolution. Other sources trace the name to Charles Lynch (1736-1796) a Virginia magistrate who fined and imprisoned Tories in his district c.1782, but the connection to him is less likely. Originally any sort of summary justice, especially by flogging; narrowing of focus to "extralegal execution by hanging" is 20c. Lynch mob is attested from 1838. The surname is perhaps from Irish Loingseach "sailor." Cf. earlier Lydford law, from a place in Dartmoor, England, "where was held a Stannaries Court of summary jurisdiction" [Weekley], hence:
- Lydford law: is to hang men first, and indite them afterwards. [Thomas Blount, "Glossographia," 1656]
- Related: Lynched; lynching.
- As in executioner : noun hangman
- As in hangman : noun garroter
- They say the lyncher knows that he is wrong and has been told so often enough.
- Extract from : « The Soul of John Brown » by Stephen Graham
- "This isn't Arizona or any other lyncher's country," said Halliday, the lawyer, making his way to the front.
- Extract from : « The World For Sale, Complete » by Gilbert Parker
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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019