A thumbscrew is a type of torture device that was used in the past to inflict pain and extract confessions. It consists of a metal frame with a screw mechanism that tightens around a person's thumb or other fingers, causing intense pressure and discomfort. This device was often employed during the Middle Ages and the Inquisition to coerce individuals into revealing information. In addition to its historical use as a torture instrument, the term "thumbscrew" can also refer to a mechanical device used in various applications, such as woodworking or metalworking. In this context, it serves as a clamp to hold materials securely in place while work is being done.