*ducking*

n. & a., from Duck, v. t. & i. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ducking stool, a stool or chair in which common scolds were formerly tied, and plunged into water, as a punishment. See Cucking stool. The practice of ducking began in the latter part of the 15th century, and prevailed until the early part of the 18th, and occasionally as late as the 19th century. Blackstone. Chambers. [ 1913 Webster ]