A heavy wooden collar or frame that was used as punishment, worn around the neck and shoulders, historically used in China and similar societies.
From Portuguese 'canga,' which came from a Malay or Southeast Asian source, ultimately perhaps from Sanskrit. European explorers and traders encountered this punishment device and borrowed the word.
The cangue is a sobering example of how languages borrow words for things they encounter in foreign cultures—Portuguese traders saw this punishment device in Asia and the word entered European languages through their accounts. It shows how difficult mobility and daily life would be when wearing one!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.