I. ˈpinchə(r), -n(t)sə-; -n(t)sə- is chiefly Brit in senses 1&2 noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English pynsour, pynceour, probably from (assumed) Middle French pinceour, from Middle French pincier to pinch + -our -or (from Old French -eor, -eur )
1. pincers plural but sometimes singular in construction : an instrument having two short handles and two grasping jaws working on a pivot and used for gripping things — often used in the phrase pair of pincers
2.
a. pincers plural but sometimes singular in construction : a grasping apparatus (as on the anterior legs of the lobster) resembling a pair of pincers : chela
b. : one of the central incisors of a horse or other equine
3. : one part of a double envelopment in which two forces are driven one on each side of an enemy position so as to be able by converging like the jaws of pincers to isolate and crush it
caught in a pincer movement, they do not know where to turn — Survey Graphic
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to pinch, nip, or torture with or as if with pincers