pincers
UK[ˈpɪnsəz]US[ˈpɪnsərz]
n
a tool made of two crossed pieces of metal used for holding things firmly or pulling things like nails out of wood.
n
the pair of curved, gripping claws of some animals, such as crabs and lobsters.
Etymology
the word 'pincers' entered english in the 14th century from the anglo-norman and old french 'pincier', which meant 'to pinch'. this french verb is itself thought to be of vulgar latin origin, possibly from a blend of latin 'punctiare' (to pierce) and 'pinsare' (to crush). the tool was named directly for its pinching action. over time, the term was naturally extended in zoology to describe the similar pinching claws of arthropods, metaphorically transferring the tool's function to the animal's anatomy.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is derived from the anglo-norman and middle french word 'pincier' meaning 'to pinch'.
Examples
he used a pair of pincers to carefully extract the splinter.
the crab raised its pincers defensively as we approached.
the blacksmith gripped the hot metal with his heavy pincers.