\Duck"ing\,
n. & a., from {Duck}, v. t. & i.

{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.