What is "pitchcapping"

n. A form of torture used against suspected rebels during the period of the (w: Irish Rebellion) of 1798, in which hot pitch or tar was poured into a conical paper "cap", which was then forced onto the bound suspect's head, allowed to cool, and rapidly removed, taking with it a portion of the skin.

Pitchcapping was a form of torture used by the military against suspected Irish rebels during the period of the 1798 rebellion, most famously on Anthony Perry, one of the leaders of the Wexford Rebels.