What is another word for thumbscrews?

Pronunciation: [θˈʌmbskɹuːz] (IPA)

Thumbscrews are a barbaric device used in the past to inflict pain on prisoners during interrogations. Synonyms for thumbscrews include thumbkin, thumb screws, pilliwinks, and finger pillories. These devices were made of metal and had screws that would be tightened, crushing the fingers and causing excruciating pain. Other synonyms include presses, clamps, and instruments of torture. Thumbscrews were often used as a form of punishment during medieval times and were also used to extract confessions. Even though these devices are no longer used, the term thumbscrews is still used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is under extreme pressure.

Synonyms for Thumbscrews:

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What are the hypernyms for Thumbscrews?

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Usage examples for Thumbscrews

In the box which I gave to Mr. Whitney were packed one French sextant; one surveying compass, aluminum, with azimuth attachment; one artificial horizon, set in a thin metal frame adjusted by spirit levels and thumbscrews; one aneroid barometer, aluminum; one aluminum case with maximum and minimum spirit thermometer; other thermometers, and also one liquid compass.
"My Attainment of the Pole"
Frederick A. Cook
Here Mr. Beamish bowed stiffly, in return to my salutation, and at the instant a kind of vague sensation crossed my mind, that those red whiskers, and that fiery face were not seen for the first time; but the thumbscrews of the holy office would have been powerless to refresh my memory as to when.
"The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Complete"
Charles James Lever (1806-1872)
The torture of the boot and the thumbscrews was used there, I am sorry to say; for they had plenty of evidence without it.
"Oddsfish!"
Robert Hugh Benson

Famous quotes with Thumbscrews

  • The old Inquisition had its rack and its thumbscrews and its instruments of torture with iron teeth.
    Rose Schneiderman

Related words: thumb screws, thumbscrew, thumb screws for sale, thumbscrews use

Related questions:

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