cry carrots and turnips

Etymology
Probably referring to the vegetables which spectators would pelt at the person drawn on the cart.  suggests that the term is of onomatopoeic origin.

Verb

 * 1)  To be taken through the streets on a cart while being whipped, as a punishment for certain crimes.

Usage notes

 * The term has not been in current use since the 18th century, but has occasionally appeared since then in historical fiction.