βάσανος deriv. uncertain
I.the touch-stone, Lat. lapis Lydius, a dark-coloured stone on which pure gold, when rubbed, leaves a peculiar mark, Theogn.: hence.
II.generally, a test, trial whether a thing be genuine or real, Hdt., Soph.
III.inquiry by torture, the "question, " torture, used to extort evidence from slaves, Oratt.
2.torture of disease, NTest.