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pilliwinks

[ pil-uh-wingks ]

noun

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


pilliwinks

/ ˈpɪlɪˌwɪŋks /

plural noun

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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of pilliwinks1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pilliwinks1

C14: of uncertain origin

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