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thumbscrew

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thumbscrew

Main Entry:: thumb·screw
Pronunciation:: \-ˌskrü\
Function:: noun
Date:: 1788

1 : an instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw 2 : a screw having a flat-sided or knurled head so that it may be turned by the thumb and index finger

[thumbscrew illustration]

Learn more about "thumbscrew" and related topics at Britannica.com

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