cyphonism Meaning, Definition & Usage

Cyph"o*nism noun
Etymology
Gr. , fr. a crooked piece of wood, a sort of pillory, fr. bent, stooping.
Definitions
  1. A punishment sometimes used by the ancients, consisting in the besmearing of the criminal with honey, and exposing him to insects. It is still in use among some Oriental nations.

Webster 1913