thumbscrew
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editPronunciation
edit- IPA(key): /ˈθʌmskɹuː/
Audio (Southern England): (file)
Noun
editthumbscrew (plural thumbscrews)
- A screw that can be turned with the thumb and fingers.
- An instrument of torture used to crush the fingers.
- (figuratively) A weakness that can be taken advantage of.
- Law 33: Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew ― Robert Greene, The 48 Laws of Power
Synonyms
edit- (torture instrument): pilliwinks
Translations
edittype of screw
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torture instrument
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