Beth's protective device....
Better late than never.
Women could 'plead the belly', claiming pregnancy and postponing their punishment until after childbirth. Out of sympathy for the new-born baby, the woman was often later pardoned.share
Better late than never.
Women could 'plead the belly', claiming pregnancy and postponing their punishment until after childbirth. Out of sympathy for the new-born baby, the woman was often later pardoned.share
Unfortunately for those who pardoned, they would forever be known as "belly-pleaders". Quite a stigma. :-(
share