triphammer

American  

[trip-ham-er] / ˈtrɪpˌhæm ər /

Or trip hammer

noun

1. Machinery. a heavy hammer raised and then let fall by means of some tripping device, as a cam.

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adjective

1. of, resembling, or characteristic of the repetitive and forceful pounding of a triphammer.

   He was subjected to triphammer interrogation by the police detectives.

triphammer British  

/ ˈtrɪpˌhæmə /

noun

1. a power hammer that is raised or tilted by a cam and allowed to fall under gravity

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Etymology

Origin of triphammer

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; trip ¹ + hammer

Example Sentences

A dial turner in search of music these days is likely to encounter a shrill, nasal voice spewing at triphammer speed sentiments something like these: Oooh-eee-oooh-aah-aah Ting-tang Walla-walla bing-bang.

From Time Magazine Archive

With all its faults, The Inspector General gives free play to Danny's superbly controlled mugging and his triphammer tongue, which rattles through some first-rate lyrics by his wife, Associate Producer Sylvia Fine.

From Time Magazine Archive

His heart began to beat, feebly at first, then like a triphammer, then normally.

From Time Magazine Archive

By concentrating on such specific targets and keeping up a triphammer succession of attacks, the government hoped to force the Communist forces onto the defensive.

From Time Magazine Archive

Frank's heart was beating like a triphammer and his nerves were at a fearful tension.

From Army Boys on the Firing Line or, Holding Back the German Drive by Randall, Homer