thumbscrew

[ thuhm-skroo ]

noun

1. a screw, the head of which is so constructed that it may be turned easily with the thumb and a finger.
2. Often thumbscrews. an old instrument of torture by which one or both thumbs were compressed.

thumbscrew

/ ˈθʌmˌskruː /

noun

1. an instrument of torture that pinches or crushes the thumbs
2. a screw with projections on its head enabling it to be turned by the thumb and forefinger

Word History and Origins

Origin of thumbscrew¹

First recorded in 1705–15; thumb + screw

Example Sentences

The DUO 24 dumps hook-and-loop fastening in favor of an adhesive plate system for affixing users’ pedals to the board’s surface using thumbscrews.

From Popular-Science

An ordinary thumbscrew or eye can be used which, by a turn or two, will either release it or fasten it in place.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be a trifle easier to face the rack and thumbscrew, eh?

From Project Gutenberg

Is it the same Christian religion that founded the Inquisition and invented the thumbscrew?

From Project Gutenberg

Sowles looked fully capable of loosing a full-fledged Inquisition, complete with rack and thumbscrew, at Cam's well-barbered head.

From Project Gutenberg

Whereon the bloated tyrant sent his prætorians, and enforced payment by scourge and thumbscrew?

From Project Gutenberg