Definitions For Pilliwink

Noun

{{en-plural noun}} (chiefly, Scotland, historical) A torture device for squeeze#verb, squeezing the finger#noun, fingers; a thumbscrew.

Alternative forms

pinnywinkles

Translations

torture device for squeezing the fingers, thumbscrew

See also

thumbikin, thumbikins thumbkin

Etymology

, from venice.{{refn, group=n, name=n1, From the collection of the former {{w, National Museum of Crime & Punishment}} in washington, d.c., USA.}}]] From Middle English pirewinkes, t=instrument of torture for squeezing the thumbs, thumbscrew{{nb..., pirwikes, pyrewinkes, pyrwykes, otherforms=1}};{{R:MED Online, entry=pirewinkes, pos=n, id=MED33484}} {{unknown, en, further origin unknown}}. It has been suggested that the word is a variant of {{noncog, enm, pervink}}, pervinke, t=periwinkle (plant; Vinca minor or Vinca major); (figuratively) evil man,{{R:MED Online, entry=pervink(e, pos=n, id=MED33161}} but the {{w, Oxford English Dictionary}} doubts this due to the difference in meaning.{{R:OED Online, pos=n, id=143925, date=March 2006, nodot=1}}; {{R:Lexico, pos=n}}

Notes