SCREW

Definitions

1. 1. To turn, as a screw; to apply a screw to; to press, fasten, or make firm, by means of a screw or screws; as, to screw a lock on a door; to screw a press.
2. 2. To force; to squeeze; to press, as by screws. But screw your courage to the sticking place, And we'll not fail. Shak.
3. 3. Hence: To practice extortion upon; to oppress by unreasonable or extortionate exactions. Our country landlords, by unmeasureable screwing and racking their tenants, have already reduced the miserable people to a worse condition than the peasants in France. swift.
4. 4. To twist; to distort; as, to screw his visage. He screwed his face into a hardened smile. Dryden.
5. 5. To examine rigidly, as a student; to subject to a severe examination. [Cant, American Colleges] To screw out, to press out; to extort. -- To screw up, to force; to bring by violent pressure. Howell. -- To screw in, to force in by turning or twisting.