1 iron maiden | Definition of iron maiden
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iron maiden

noun

Definition of iron maiden

: a supposed medieval torture device consisting of a hollow iron statue or coffin in the shape of a woman that is lined with spikes which impale the enclosed victim

Examples of iron maiden in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Winter coats can be like iron maidens for kids with sensory issues. — Washington Post, "My kids won’t wear coats no matter how cold it is. And it’s making me crazy.," 21 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'iron maiden.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of iron maiden

1757, in the meaning defined above

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