Handtrap

/ˈhændˌtræp/ noun

Definition

A trap or snare designed to be set by hand and operate using hand-triggered mechanisms, often used for catching small animals.

Etymology

Compound of 'hand' and 'trap.' This describes any trap mechanism that is manually set and sprung by hand contact rather than mechanically complex.

Kelly Says

Before modern pest control, farmers used handtraps to catch mice, rats, and other rodents in their grain stores—and some of those designs from hundreds of years ago are still the basis for the mousetraps we use today!

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