vise

[vahys] /vaɪs/

noun

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, vising.

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

Also, vice.

Origin

1300-50; Middle English vis < Old French: screw < Latin vītis vine (whose spiral form gave later sense)

Related forms

viselike, adjective

visé

[vee-zey, vee-zey] /ˈvi zeɪ, viˈzeɪ/

noun, verb (used with object), viséed, viséing.

visa.

Origin

< French, past participle of viser to inspect, check; see visa

Examples from the web for vise

When removing the screw, do not clamp the stem in a vise or locking pliers.
The easiest and best way to do the job is to use a heavy bench vise.
One way out of the financial vise is simply to drop coverage.
Attach your skis to the ski vise, which hold the skis in place.
Without much federal help, the poorest mothers are caught in a vise.
The wage debate has put her in something of a political vise.
Do not use a vise that has worn or broken jaw inserts, or has cracks or fractures in the body of the vise.
Must secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
It is a carpentry vise for clamping a project to free the users hands for carving.
If this is not possible, place a sheet of soft aluminum or copper between the vise and the casting.

British Dictionary definitions for vise

vice²

/vaɪs/

noun

an appliance for holding an object while work is done upon it, usually having a pair of jaws

verb

(transitive) to grip (something) with or as if with a vice

Derived Forms

vicelike, (US) viselike, adjective

Word Origin

C15: from Old French vis a screw, from Latin vītis vine, plant with spiralling tendrils (hence the later meaning)

vise

/vaɪs/

noun, verb

(US) a variant spelling of vice²

Word Origin and History for vise

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.