thumbscrew

[ thuhm-skroo ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a screw, the head of which is so constructed that it may be turned easily with the thumb and a finger.
Often thumbscrews. an old instrument of torture by which one or both thumbs were compressed.

thumbscrew

/ ˈθʌmˌskruː /

an instrument of torture that pinches or crushes the thumbs
a screw with projections on its head enabling it to be turned by the thumb and forefinger

First recorded in 1705–15; thumb + screw

An ordinary thumbscrew or eye can be used which, by a turn or two, will either release it or fasten it in place.

It would be a trifle easier to face the rack and thumbscrew, eh?

Is it the same Christian religion that founded the Inquisition and invented the thumbscrew?

Sowles looked fully capable of loosing a full-fledged Inquisition, complete with rack and thumbscrew, at Cam's well-barbered head.

Whereon the bloated tyrant sent his prætorians, and enforced payment by scourge and thumbscrew?

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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