Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Eye Gouge

DEFINITION:
A hooked tool resembling a fishhook at the end of an ice pick. It was inserted into the eye socket between the eyeball and bone, then twisted so the hook caught the optic nerve. The device was then removed, taking with it the eyeball and ripping the muscles and nerves. It was one of the tools used during the Inquisition to obtain confessions (such as of the practice of Witchcraft) from people.