What does thumbscrew mean?
Definitions for thumbscrew
ˈθʌmˌskruthumb·screw
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word thumbscrew.
Princeton's WordNet
thumbscrewnoun
instrument of torture that crushes the thumb
thumbscrewnoun
screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers
Wiktionary
thumbscrewnoun
A screw that can be turned with the thumb and fingers
thumbscrewnoun
An instrument of torture used to crush the fingers
ChatGPT
thumbscrew
A thumbscrew is a type of device used for various applications, notable for its head that is designed to be turned using the thumb and forefinger. Historically, it is also an instrument of torture used to crush the victim's thumb. The metaphorical use of the term implies a situation of intense pressure or coercion.
Webster Dictionary
Thumbscrewnoun
a screw having a flat-sided or knurled head, so that it may be turned by the thumb and forefinger
Thumbscrewnoun
an old instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw; a thumbkin
Wikidata
Thumbscrew
The thumbscrew or pilliwinks is a torture instrument which was first used in medieval Europe. It is a simple vice, sometimes with protruding studs on the interior surfaces. The victim's thumbs or fingers were placed in the vice and slowly crushed. The thumbscrew was also applied to crush prisoners' big toes. The crushing bars were sometimes lined with sharp metal points to puncture the nails and inflict greater pain in the nail beds. Larger, heavier devices based on the same design principle were applied to crush knees and elbows.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of thumbscrew in Chaldean Numerology is: 4
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of thumbscrew in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6
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"thumbscrew." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/thumbscrew>.
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