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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilliwinks¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilliwinks¹

C14: of uncertain origin