thumbscrew

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: thumb=screw

CIDE DICTIONARY

thumbscrew, n. 

•  A screw having a flat-sided or knurled head, so that it may be turned by the thumb and forefinger.  [1913 Webster]
•  An old instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw; a thumbkin.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

thumbscrew, n.
1 an instrument of torture for crushing the thumbs.
2 a screw with a flattened head for turning with the thumb and forefinger.

ROGET THESAURUS

thumbscrew

Scourge

N scourge, rod, cane, stick, ratan, rattan, birch, birch rod, azote, blacksnake, bullwhack, chicote, kurbash, quirt, rawhide, sjambok, rod in pickle, switch, ferule, cudgel, truncheon, whip, bullwhip, lash, strap, thong, cowhide, knout, cat, cat o'nine tails, rope's end, pillory, stocks, whipping post, cucking stool, ducking stool, brank, trebuchet, trebuket, triangle, wooden horse, iron maiden, thumbscrew, boot, rack, wheel, iron heel, chinese water torture, treadmill, crank, galleys, scaffold, block, ax, guillotine, stake, cross, gallows, gibbet, tree, drop, noose, rope, halter, bowstring, death chair, electric chair, gas chamber, lethal injection, firing squad, mecate, house of correction, goaler, jailer, executioner, electrocutioner, lyncher, hangman, headsman, Jack Ketch.