vise (US) or Brit vice 
/ˈvaɪs/ noun
plural vis·es /ˈvaɪs/ noun [count] : a tool that is usually attached to a table and that has two flat parts that can be opened and closed by a screw or lever in order to hold something (such as a piece of wood) very firmly — see picture at carpentry
— vise·like (US) or Brit vice·like /ˈvaɪsˌlaɪk/ adjective [more viselike; most viselike]
▪ He had a viselike [=very firm] grip on my arm.
/ˈvaɪsˌlaɪk/ adjective [more viselike; most viselike] ▪ He had a viselike [=very firm] grip on my arm.
