Okay, I looked it up: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vise &gt;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 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vice &gt;bad or immoral behavior or habits And then you have those Vise-Grip pliers, which are also spelled with an S.