from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
henpeck \hen"peck`\, hen-peck \hen"-peck`\(h[e^]n"p[e^]k`), v.
t. [imp. & p. p. {Henpecked} (h[e^]n"p[e^]kt`); p. pr. & vb.
n. {Henpecking}.]
To bother persistently with trivial complaints; to subject to
petty authority; -- said of a woman who thus treats her male
companion, especially of wives who thus dominate their
husbands. Commonly used in the past participle (often
adjectively); as, henpecked for years, he finally left her.
[1913 Webster +PJC]