Lewis & Short

† 1. uncus, i, m. [Sanscr. root ak, ankami, bend; Gr. ἀγκών, ὄγκος; cf.: ancus, ungulus], a hook, barb.

  1. I. In gen., Liv. 30, 10, 16; Col. 3, 18, 2: ferrei, Cato, R. R. 10; 13.
    As an attribute of Necessitas, Hor. C. 1, 35, 20.
    Poet., an anchor, Val. Fl. 2, 428.
  2. II. In partic.
    1. A. A hook that was fastened to the neck of condemned criminals, and by which they were dragged to the Tiber, Cic. Phil. 1, 2, 5; id. rab. Perd. 5, 16; Ov. Ib. 168; Juv. 10, 66; cf.: et bene cum fixum mento discusseris uncum, Nil erit hoc: rostro te premet ansa suo, Prop. 4 (5), 1, 141.
    2. B. A surgical instrument, Cels. 7, 29.