v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. force or wrench away from a person's grasp.
2 (foll. by from) obtain by effort or with difficulty.
3 distort into accordance with one's interests or views (wrest the law to suit themselves).
--n. archaic a key for tuning a harp or piano etc.
Phrases and idioms:
wrest-block (or -plank) the part of a piano or harpsichord holding the wrest-pins. wrest-pin each of the pins to which the strings of a piano or harpsichord are attached.
Etymology: OE wr{aelig}stan f. Gmc, rel. to WRIST