Main Entry: pin·cer

Pronunciation: \ˈpin(t)-sər, especially for 1 US often ˈpin-chər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English pinceour, from Anglo-French *pinceour, pinchure, from Anglo-French *pincher, pincer to pinch, from Vulgar Latin *pinctiare, *punctiare, from Latin punctum puncture — more at point

Date: 14th century

1 plural a : an instrument having two short handles and two grasping jaws working on a pivot and used for gripping things b : a claw (as of a lobster) resembling a pair of pincers : chela
2 : pincer movement

— pin·cer·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective