σφηνόω

A. shape like a wedge, Gp. 17.19.4:—Pass., to be cloven with a wedge, Arist. Mech. 853a27; κλίνη χρυσῷ ἐσφηνωμένη inlaid, Luc. Asin. 53 codd.

2. fix by means of a wedge, Hero Bel. 107.14:—Pass., to be wedged in, εἰς τὸ μέσον Plb. 27.11.4; to become fixed like a wedge, Sor. 2.55, Gal. 6.179.

3. plug up, close up, τρήματα σπόγγοις Sch. Ar. Ach. 462; τοῖς μότοις Orib. Fr. 134:—Med., τὸ πρόθυρον σφήνου close the vestibule, AP 5.40 (Rufin.):—Pass., f.l. in Dsc. 5.31; ὅταν σφηνωθῇ ἡ ὀπή Gp. 9.10.4; σφηνοῦνται τὰς κεφαλάς they catch a cold in the head, Cass. Pr. 25; σφηνωθεὶς ἀπέθανεν, of obstruction, Anon. ap.Suid.

II. torture, rack (v. σφήν), Plu. 2.498d.