Duke of Exeter's daughter

English

Etymology

After Henry Holland, 3rd Duke of Exeter, who served as constable of the Tower of London during the period when the rack was in use there.

Proper noun

the Duke of Exeter's daughter

1. (UK, obsolete, slang) The rack (torture device).
   • 2022, Thomas B. Costain, For My Great Folly:

     If we hadn't lagged you when we had, they'd be stretching you now on the Duke of Exeter's Daughter where they racked Guy Fawkes, and you'd be bleating out everything you know and a lot you don't know.

See also

• Skeffington's daughter