Duke of Exeter’s daughter, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

Duke of Exeter’s daughter n.

[the rack had been introduced into England by John Holland, 4th Duke of Exeter in 1447]

the torture of the rack.

c.1698

B.E. Dict. Canting Crew n.p.: Duke of Exeter’s Daughter, a Rack in the Tower of London, to torture and force Confession; supposed to be introduced by him.