Pilliwinks vs. Thumbscrew

Pilliwinksnoun

A torture device for squeezing the fingers; a thumbscrew.

Thumbscrewnoun

A screw that can be turned with the thumb and fingers.

Thumbscrewnoun

An instrument of torture used to crush the fingers.

Thumbscrewnoun

(figuratively) A weakness that can be taken advantage of.

Thumbscrewnoun

A screw having a flat-sided or knurled head, so that it may be turned by the thumb and forefinger.

Thumbscrewnoun

An old instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw; a thumbkin.

Thumbscrewnoun

instrument of torture that crushes the thumb

Thumbscrewnoun

screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers