| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Screw (A), | | |
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meaning a small quantity, is in allusion to the habit of putting a small quantity of small articles into a “screw of paper.” | 1 |
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An old screw. One who keeps his money tight, and doles it out in screws or small quantities. | 2 |
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To put on the screw. To press for payment, as a screw presses by gradually-increasing pressure. | 3 |
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Raised your screw. Raised your wages. | 4 |
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“‘Has Tom got his screw raised?’ said Milton.”—Truth: Queer Story, 18th February, 1886. |
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