thumbscrew

American  

[thuhm-skroo] / ˈθʌmˌskru /

noun

1. a screw, the head of which is so constructed that it may be turned easily with the thumb and a finger.

2. Often thumbscrews. an old instrument of torture by which one or both thumbs were compressed.

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thumbscrew British  

/ ˈθʌmˌskruː /

noun

1. an instrument of torture that pinches or crushes the thumbs

2. a screw with projections on its head enabling it to be turned by the thumb and forefinger

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Etymology

Origin of thumbscrew

First recorded in 1705–15; thumb + screw

Example Sentences

Also on Saturday night, I caught a performance at Public Records by the trio Thumbscrew, with Mary Halvorson on guitar, Michael Formanek on bass and Tomas Fujiwara on drums.

From New York Times • May 8, 2023

The guitarist and MacArthur fellow Mary Halvorson works in all kinds of scenarios, but there’s no better way to get acquainted with her wavy, wiry style than to hear her play with Thumbscrew.

From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2020

When Thumbscrew plays a livestream on Friday at 8 p.m.

From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2020

With a bent, slippery tone that can melt within itself or churn with metallic edges, Mary Halvorson of Thumbscrew is the next great guitar hero in jazz.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2016

For fifteen years I was the ruling power behind old Sancho Benavides, the Royal High Thumbscrew of the republic.

From Roads of Destiny by Henry, O.