pilliwinks

[ pil-uh-wingks ]

noun(used with a singular or plural verb)
  1. an old instrument of torture similar to the thumbscrew.

Origin of pilliwinks

1
1350–1400; Scots variant of late Middle English pyrwykes, pyrewinkes< ?

Words Nearby pilliwinks

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British Dictionary definitions for pilliwinks

pilliwinks

/ (ˈpɪlɪˌwɪŋks) /


pl n
  1. a medieval instrument of torture for the fingers and thumbs

Origin of pilliwinks

1
C14: of uncertain origin

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