writer's cramp

American  

noun

1. spasmodic, painful contractions of the muscles of the thumb, forefinger, and forearm during writing.

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writer's cramp British  

noun

1. a muscular spasm or temporary paralysis of the muscles of the thumb and first two fingers caused by prolonged writing

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Example Sentences

When he reached Budapest he complained of writer's cramp from prodigal autographing.

From Time Magazine Archive

Quizzed further, Humorist Cobb refuted both reports, swore he had never had writer's cramp.

From Time Magazine Archive

When his writer's cramp gets too bad, hearings are limited to two hours a day, and Alfred de Marigny fills in the time in his cell, he has told Nancy, composing poems to the mosquitoes.

From Time Magazine Archive

Barbra Streisand, Doris Day and George Burns stuck to traditional toys, trees and reindeer, avoided writer's cramp by having their signatures engraved within.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Perhaps it's writer's cramp," said Cleggett, indulging the pleasant humor that was on him.

From The Cruise of the Jasper B. by Marquis, Don