a species of punishment anciently inflicted on thieves, adulterers, perjurers, and others, and from which the ancient Christians were not exempt. It was sometimes effected by a mixture of lime and vinegar, or scalding vinegar, poured into the eyes; sometimes a rope was twisted round the head till the eyes started out. In the middle ages, this punishment was effected by holding a red-hot iron basin before the eyes. See ABACINARE.