Note 3 — Chapter VI · Peine Forte et Dure.
Reading edition
Coke, 2 Inst. 178, 179; Hale’s P. C. vol. ii., 322.
“He was to be laid down, naked, upon the ground, on his back, his feet and head and loins covered, his arms and legs drawn apart, by cords, and as much weight of iron or stone as he could bear, was placed upon his chest.” This punishment was called also, “pressing to death.” Bouvier’s Dictionary; II. Reeve’s History English Law, 134; 4 Sh. Bl. Comm. 324; Britton, ch. 4 fol. ii; Fleta, lib. I., 34, sec. 33.