vise









vise


noun

  1. any of various devices, usually having two jaws that may be brought together or separated by means of a screw, lever, or the like, used to hold an object firmly while work is being done on it.

verb (used with object), vised, vis·ing.

  1. to hold, press, or squeeze with or as with a vise.

noun, verb (used with object), vi·séed, vi·sé·ing.

  1. visa.

noun, verb

  1. US a variant spelling of vice 2
n.

c.1300, “device like a screw or winch for bending a crossbow or catapult,” from Old French vis, viz “screw,” from Latin vitis “vine, tendril of a vine,” literally “that which winds,” from root of viere “to bind, twist” (see withy). The meaning “clamping tool with two jaws closed by a screw” is first recorded c.1500.

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