A form of torture used against suspected rebels during the period of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, in which hot pitch or tar was poured into a conical paper "cap", which was then forced onto the bound suspect's head, allowed to cool, and rapidly removed, taking with it a portion of the skin.
Origin
pitch + capping
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.