thumbscrew

noun

A screw designed so that it can be turned with the thumb and fingers.

noun

An instrument of torture formerly used to compress the thumb.

noun

A screw having a broad head, or a plate projecting from the head, so that it may be turned easily by the finger and thumb.

noun

An instrument of torture by which one or both thumbs were compressed so as to inflict great agony without danger to life.

noun

A screw having a flat-sided or knurled head, so that it may be turned by the thumb and forefinger.

noun

An old instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw; a thumbkin.

noun

A screw that can be turned with the thumb and fingers

noun

An instrument of torture used to crush the fingers

noun

screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers

noun

instrument of torture that crushes the thumb