This device was used as a punishment for women caught fighting or bickering.
A woman could be restrained in a single fiddle. Using an attached chain, she would be led around the streets by the aggrieved husband or made to stand in public view. She could also be birched or flogged whilst in the restraint.
A double fiddle was used to restrain argumentative and fighting women. They would be restrained face-to-face until they had resolved their differences.
The Shrew's Fiddle was used in Germany and Switzerland until 1888.
An iron version was used in America for restraining slaves and fell out of use when slavery was abolished.
Modern versions of the Shrew's Fiddle, made from wood or metal, are used in BDSM.
