noun
a device, usually fastened to a workbench, consisting of two jaws opened and closed by a screw, lever, etc. and used for holding firmly an object being worked on
Origin:
ME vis, a screw < OFr viz, a winding object < VL *vitium, tendril-like thing < L vitis, vine, lit., that which winds: see withe
transitive verb vised, vising
to hold or squeeze with or as with a vise