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, AP5.40 (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.