Cropping

By Crusader1307

More of a Procedure than a Device, Cropping was the act of cutting or chopping off the ears of an Offender. This was most accomplished by sword or knife. This punishment was metted out for Counterfeiting, Sedition or Perjury. King Henry VIII of England instituted Cropping as a second offense punishment for Vagrancy (the third being Death). In practice, Cropping was used in conjunction with The Stocks or Pillory. While suitably "installed", the Offenders ears were nailed to the board. Upon order, they were removed (partial or all). In many cases, blood loss or infection could kill. The last known Cropping event in America happened in the 1830s (as a popular punishment for runaway Slaves).