thumbscrew

• Nom ayant deux sens distincts : instrument de torture qui comprime le pouce, ou vis destinée à être tournée avec le pouce et l'index.

A noun with two distinct meanings: an instrument of torture that crushes the thumb, or a screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers.

1. Instrument of tortureC2formal

   A device used historically to crush the thumb as a form of torture or coercion.

   Serre-tête (instrument de torture)

   • The prisoner was subjected to the thumbscrew to extract a confession.
   • Thumbscrews were a common tool during the Inquisition.
   • The museum displayed an ancient thumbscrew used in medieval times.

2. Mechanical fastenerC1formal

   A screw with a large head designed to be turned by the thumb and fingers, without needing a tool.

   Vis à oreilles

   • He tightened the thumbscrew on the clamp by hand.
   • The device uses a thumbscrew for quick adjustments.
   • You can loosen the thumbscrew to remove the panel.