Gr. basanos (Matthew 4:24), the "touch-stone" of justice; hence inquisition by torture, and then any disease which racks and tortures the limbs.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) An engine for casting stones.

2. (n.) Extreme pain; anguish; torture; the utmost degree of misery, either of body or mind.

3. (n.) That which gives pain, vexation, or misery.

4. (v. t.) To put to extreme pain or anguish; to inflict excruciating misery upon, either of body or mind; to torture.

5. (v. t.) To pain; to distress; to afflict.

6. (v. t.) To tease; to vex; to harass; as, to be tormented with importunities, or with petty annoyances.

7. (v. t.) To put into great agitation.