The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #60546   Message #969129
Posted By: IanC
19-Jun-03 - 12:38 PM
Thread Name: Folklore: Is this story true? - Hartlepool Monkey
Subject: RE: Folklore: Is this story true? - Hartlepool Monkey
Actually, Petr, "hanged" means executed by breaking the neck using a rope. If done correctly, part of one of the neck vertebrae goes though the spine causing instant death. People are therefore executed by being hanged.

However, if the death is to be prolonged then the person is hung like any other animal. Hence, you are "Hung, drawn and quartered".

;-)