Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Any form of wrench, as one with fixed jaws or one in the form of a spanner, adapted for turning square- or polygonal-headed screws or bolts.
  • noun A wrench of which the jaws are opened or drawn together by means of a screw.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Turn out the breech-screw by means of a "breech screw-wrench" suited to the tenon of the screw.

    Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

  • "Bravo, my hearty!" cried Mr Fosset, lending Stoddart a hand to lash himself to the cylinder, while Grummet held a screw-wrench and other tools up to him.

    The Ghost Ship A Mystery of the Sea Henry [Illustrator] Austin

  • "Wait a bit, Jim," replied Terry, working away like a madman with spanner and screw-wrench; "if I can but loosen this nut I can disconnect this bent rod and replace it in half a jiffy."

    Under the Chilian Flag A Tale of War between Chili and Peru Harry Collingwood 1886

  • It was like a fierce order, and he quite hurt me when we did shake hands, even the doctor saying it was like putting your fist in a screw-wrench.

    Bunyip Land A Story of Adventure in New Guinea George Manville Fenn 1870

  • All at once a thought struck Vane, and he jumped up, thrust a pair of pliers, a little screw-wrench and a pair of pincers into his pockets and went out again.

    The Weathercock Being the Adventures of a Boy with a Bias George Manville Fenn 1870

  • Pincers, pliers and screw-driver were laid on the floor and the screw-wrench was applied here and there, after which a cloth or rag was required to wipe the different wheels, and pivots; but unfortunately nothing of the kind was at hand, so a clean pocket-handkerchief was utilised, not to its advantage -- and the work went on.

    The Weathercock Being the Adventures of a Boy with a Bias George Manville Fenn 1870

  • a horn, hammer, screw-wrench for the nuts, a crow-bar, spade, broom, bolts, and nails; they gave him two books of regulations and a time-table of the train.

    Best Russian Short Stories Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin 1818

  • "They found in Jack's overcoat pocket a parcel containing a cold chisel, small screw-wrench, file, and one or two other things that he'd bought that evening to tinker up the old printing press.

    Over the Sliprails Henry Lawson 1894

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