pilliwinks
[ pil-uh-wingks ]
/ ˈpɪl əˌwɪŋks /
noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
an old instrument of torture similar to the thumbscrew.
Origin of pilliwinks
1350–1400; Scots variant of late Middle English
pyrwykes, pyrewinkes < ?
Words nearby pilliwinks
pillars of islam,
pillbox,
pillhead,
pillie,
pillion,
pilliwinks,
pillock,
pillory,
pillow,
pillow block,
pillow fight
British Dictionary definitions for pilliwinks
pilliwinks
/ (ˈpɪlɪˌwɪŋks) /
pl n
a medieval instrument of torture for the fingers and thumbs
Word Origin for pilliwinks
C14: of uncertain origin