Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeB1972
What does your classical dictionary say about tortura?
I think it started out as specifically torture used to compel a response (as opposed to just cause torment).
Edit : Looks like it comes from the old french for twist.
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My dictionary says that the verb "torto" means "to torment or torture", and related words do indeed have the meaning of "twist" or "bend". Eg the word "tortuotus" means "full of twists and bends". Exactly the same sense as the English word "tortuous", in other words.