Gr. basanos ( Matthew 4:24 ), the "touch-stone" of justice; hence inquisition by torture, and then any disease which racks and tortures the limbs.
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. "Entry for Torment". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .