Hypertext Webster Gateway: "forceps"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Forceps \For"ceps\, n. [L. forceps, -cipis, from the root of
formus Hot + capere to take; akin to E. heave. Cf.
{Furnace}.]
1. A pair of pinchers, or tongs; an instrument for grasping,
holding firmly, or exerting traction upon, bodies which it
would be inconvenient or impracticable to seize with the
fingers, especially one for delicate operations, as those
of watchmakers, surgeons, accoucheurs, dentists, etc.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The caudal forceps-shaped appendage of earwigs
and some other insects. See {Earwig}.
{Dressing forceps}. See under {Dressing}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
forceps
n : an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical
treatment (especially for the delivery of babies)
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