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thumbscrew

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
thumb·screw  (thmskr)
n.
1. A screw designed so that it can be turned with the thumb and fingers.
2. An instrument of torture formerly used to compress the thumb.
thumbscrew
Noun
(formerly) an instrument of torture that pinches or crushes the thumbs
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.thumbscrewthumbscrew - instrument of torture that crushes the thumb
instrument of torture - an instrument of punishment designed and used to inflict torture on the condemned person
2.thumbscrew - screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers
screw - a fastener with a tapered threaded shank and a slotted head


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
On the contrary, the speeding-up seemed to be growing more savage all the time; they were continually inventing new devices to crowd the work on--it was for all the world like the thumbscrew of the medieval torture chamber.
The Jungle by Sinclair, Upton View in context
The age of thumbscrews and the rack was, after all, a very virile age.
The Illustrious Prince by Oppenheim, E. Phillips View in context
and with a sudden gesture he plucked forth the offending corsets from under the sofa cushion, and held them out with the expression one would wear on beholding the thumbscrews or the rack of ancient times.
Eight Cousins by Alcott, Louisa May View in context
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