Standing in the stocks
What's the meaning 'the stocks' in this conversation?

A: Look, there of my agents are already dead. Don't embroil me in politics now.
B: The Prime Minister's ordered an inquiry. You'll have to appear.
A: Oh, standing in the stocks at midday? Who's antiquated now?

Question

Standing in the stocks
What's the meaning 'the stocks' in this conversation?

A: Look, there of my agents are already dead. Don't embroil me in politics now.
B: The Prime Minister's ordered an inquiry. You'll have to appear.
A: Oh, standing in the stocks at midday? Who's antiquated now?

Answer

"Stocks" refers to a structure used to punish offenders for minor infractions. Miscreants would be restrained by cuffs around the hands and feet, usually in a public place, allowing passers-by to pillory the unfortunate. This was a form of corporal punishment used as late as the eighteenth century.