I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
Etymology: thumb (I) + screw, v.
: to torture by use of the thumbscrew ; also : to coerce by or as if by such torture
II. noun
Etymology: thumb (I) + screw, n.
1. : a screw whose head is flattened at the side or knurled so that the screw may be turned by the thumb and forefinger — see spokeshave illustration
2. : an instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw
[s]thumbscr.jpg[/s] [
thumbscrew 1
]