— writher , n. — writhingly , adv.
/ruydh/ , v. , writhed, writhing , n.
v.i.
1. to twist the body about, or squirm, as in pain, violent effort, etc.
2. to shrink mentally, as in acute discomfort.
v.t.
3. to twist or bend out of shape or position; distort; contort.
4. to twist (oneself, the body, etc.) about, as in pain.
n.
5. a writhing movement; a twisting of the body, as in pain.
[ bef. 900; ME writhen (v.), OE writhan to twist, wind; c. ON ritha to knit, twist; akin to WREATH, WRY ]
Syn. 1. thresh, flail, contort, wriggle.