torment, tour ment, turment

[O. Fr. torment (Fr. tour ment ), from Lat. tormentum =an instrument for hurling stones, an instrument of torture; torture. From the same root as torture (q. v.).] *1. An engine of war, used to hurl stones or darts. "All torments of war, which we call engines, were first invented by kings or governors of posts." - Elyot: Governor. *2. A tempest. "In to the se of Spayn wer dryuen in a torment Among the Sarazins." R. Brunne, p. 148. 3. Extreme pain or anguish; the utmost degree of misery, either of body or mind; torture. "In which his torment often was so great, That, like a lyon, he would cry and rore." Spenser: F. Q., L. x. 28. 4127 4. That which causes pain, vexation, or misery. "They brought unto him all sick persons that were taken with divers diseases and torments ." -Matt . iv. 24. tor-ment', *tour-ment, *tur-ment, v . t . [O. Fr. tormenter (Fr. tourmenter ).] 1. To put to extreme pain or anguish; to inflict excruciating pain on, either of body or mind; to torture. "He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone."-Rev. xiv. 10. IMG:content-1244.png:[blocks in formation] *4. To put into a state of great agitation. "Then soaring on main wing, Tormented all the air." Milton: P. L. , vi. 244. tor-ment-er, subst . [Eng. torment, v.; -er.] One who or that which torments; a tormentor. *tor'-ment-fül, adject . [Eng. torment ; -ful (1).] Causing torment; tormenting. "Set us at liberty from all other tormentful fears."_ Wilkins: Natural Religion, bk. i., ch. xv. tor-men-til, s. [TORMENT ILL A.] Bot.: Potentilla torment ill a , formerly Torment ill a oficinalis. The stem is slender, the leaves three-foliolate, more rarely five-foliolate; the petals usually four in place of the normal five of other Potentillas. Abundant on heaths, copses, and dry pastures, flowering from June to September. The rootstock, which is very astringent, is used for tanning.