E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ex’eter.
The Duke of Exeter’s daughter was a sort of rack invented by the Duke of Exeter during the reign of Henry VI. (Blackstone.)
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“I was the lad that would not confess one word … . though they threatened to make me hug the Duke of Exeter’s daughter.”—Scott: Fortunes of Nigel, xxv.
