Rack (torture)

The stretching Bank ( also rack ) is an instrument of torture. She belonged to the embarrassing questioning and was regarded as a means of " truth " of the judiciary. The yield bank was in Europe from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century in use. In German-speaking areas, the rack was using the term " torture " mostly meant.

The torture victim lying on a long table was tied to the arms and legs. At one end was a Handhebelrad one rope were tied in a sling with the most arms, slowly tightened, so that the joints are stretched or the bones of the tortured were released from the joints. The other end, however, in which were tied to the feet of the legs remained unmoved, or parts of the bank could be auseinandergekurbelt. In part, at the same time fire or other tools such as pliers or glowing coals were used. A similar instrument, the yield is the yield bank manager.

Stretching bank were often associated with the instrument of torture Larded Hare ( " sprocket " ) supplements, which were usually permanently installed in this. The occupied with spikes or thorns and rollers on which the torture victim was moved back and forth, slashed on their back or chest. Part there was also Stretching bank with a heavy overhead roller which was studded with steel spikes, as well as stretching ladders, which were also equipped with a Busy with sharp thorns role.

Use in the colloquial language

The colloquial phrase " tension someone to torture " means " someone withheld information and thus increase his impatience ."