pilliwinks

Definition

1. Noun (plural in form but used as a singular):
   • Historical instrument of torture: "pilliwinks" refers to a device used in historical times to crush the fingers by placing them between bars and tightening the apparatus, causing severe pain. It is a type of thumbscrew.

Usage Examples

• (A cruel instrument used to torture by compressing the fingers.)
• (An exhibit showing a historical torture device.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be put in the pilliwinks": to be subjected to this form of torture.
  • The prisoner was threatened with the pilliwinks if he refused to speak. (He was warned he would be tortured with the finger-crushing device.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pilliwink (n, singular form, rare): an individual finger-press from a set of such devices.
  • Each pilliwink was adjusted to fit a different finger. (Each component of the torture instrument.)

Synonyms

• Thumbscrew: a similar instrument that crushes the thumb or fingers.
• Finger-press: a general term for a device that applies pressure to the fingers.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms exist for "pilliwinks" due to its specific historical and rare usage.