Middle English Dictionary Entry

pirewinkes n.
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Entry Info

Forms pirewinkes n. Also pirwikes.
Etymology ?From pervink(e, -wink(e n. (associated with executions, as in Execution Fraser); also cp. Scot. pilliewinkes.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
An instrument of torture for squeezing the thumbs, thumbscrew.
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