Procrustes in Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology

（Προκρούστης), that is, "the Stretcher," is a surname of the famous robber Polypemon or Damastes. He used to force all the strangers that fell into his hands into a bed which was either too small or too large, and in which he had their limbs stretched by force until they died. He was slain by Theseus, on the Cephissus in Attica; the bed of Procrustes is used proverbially even at the present day. (Plut. Thes. 11; Paus. 1.38.5; Ov. Met. 7.438.) - A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, William Smith, Ed.