Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - skewer

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English skeuier  Date: 15th century  1. a pin of wood or metal for fastening meat to keep it in form while roasting or to hold small pieces of meat or vegetables for broiling  2. any of various things shaped or used like a meat ~  II. transitive verb  Date: 1701  1. to fasten or pierce with or as if with a ~  2. to criticize or ridicule sharply and effectively