Are there any instances to be met with where the place of punishment by the stocks or pillory in olden times, was known by that name?
There was a king of Brittany who resigned his crown, and obtained the honours of canonisation as Saint Giguel, in the seventh century. St. Giles, who died about the sixth century, might, perhaps, have had some connexion with those who are traditionally believed to have been punished on the spot; that is, if we judge by his clients, who locate themselves under the sanctity of his name as a "Guild" or fraternity in London.
There is, however, a curious use by Shakspeare of the word gig. It occurs in Love's Labour's Lost, Act V. Sc. I.:
Holofernes says,
"What is the figure?"
Moth. Horns.
Holofernes. Thou disputest like an infant. Go, whip thy gig."
I submit this matter, as local names have often their origin in religious associations or in proverbial philosophy.
It has been suggested that giggle, as a mark of the derision to which the culprit was exposed, might so become corrupted.
If the term be connected with the punishment, it would be, doubtless, one of general application. The smallest contribution will be thankfully received.
K.