Definition of pincer

The word "pincer" derives its meaning from a military tactic known as the "double envelopment." In this strategy, two flanking forces would pinch or squeeze an enemy army between them, much like a pair of pincers closing around their prey. The term "pincers" first appeared in Latin as "pinzš" in the early 16th century, possibly adapted from the ancient Greek word "pinxa," which referred to a specific type of stylus or pen used for inscription on wax tablets. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to more broadly describe any object or mechanism that grasps or picks up something in a similar way, such as cranes, tweezers, or specialized digging tools used by archaeologists. Today, the term is commonly used in scientific and technical fields to describe mechanical devices such as gears or joints that operate using a pincer-like motion.