procrustean-bed

Procrustean bed

noun
a plan or scheme to produce uniformity or conformity by arbitrary or violent methods.
Also, procrustean bed.


Origin:
after Procrustes, the bandit from Greek mythology who stretched or amputated the limbs of travelers to make them conform to the length of his bed.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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WordNet
procrustean bed

noun
a standard that is enforced uniformly without regard to individuality [syn: procrustean standard
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Cite This Source
00:10
Procrustean-bed is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
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