thumbscrew
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- instrument of torture that crushes the thumbType of instrument of torture
- screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingersType of screw
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Thumb′screw′ noun
1. A screw having a flat-sided or knurled head, so that it may be turned by the thumb and forefinger.
2. An old instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw; a thumbkin.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54