In old criminal law. The question; the Infliction of violent bodily pain upon a person, by means of the rack, wheel, or other engine, under judicial sanction and superintendence, in connection with the interrogation or examination of the person, as TORY 1162 TOUJOURS ET UNCORE PRIST a means of extorting a confession of guilt, or of compelling him to disclose his accomplices.
See, e.g., What Are Crimes Against Humanity?