Forceps

[Lat., pincers. The latter part of the word, ceps, is from capere, to seize; the for probably from the root fer, to be hot, which appears in fervere, to be hot, furnus, an oven, .] A pair of pincers or tongs, for seizing hot iron, . -Small pincers; nippers, used by dentists, watchmakers, and others, to seize and hold small bodies, which it would not be practicable to manipulate with the fingers. (Surg.) A name common to certain instruments of various shapes, according to the purpose they are intended to serve; but the principal of all is that of a pair of pincers with two blades, either with or without handles. They are much used in surgery, especially for taking hold of substances that cannot be conveniently laid hold of with the fingers. Certain kinds are used for tooth-drawing; others, for securing the mouths of arteries, in order to their being tied; others are used in di ecting; others in lithotomy; and others in midwifery, for aiding delivery in difficult cases. Force'-pump, Forcing-pump. See PUMP. Forc'er, n. One who, or that which forces, drives, or constrains. - The solid piston of a forcing-pump.