noun
instrument of torture; torture device
Refers to physical devices used to inflict pain for punishment or interrogation. Often appears in historical or BDSM contexts.
博物館には中世の責め具が展示されている。
Medieval instruments of torture are on display at the museum.
その小説では、牢獄で責め具が使われる場面がある。
In that novel, there is a scene where torture devices are used in the prison.
拷問 is the act of torture or interrogation under duress, while 責め具 refers specifically to the physical instruments used.
責める is the verb meaning 'to blame' or 'to torture'; 責め具 is the noun for the tool used in such acts.
Compound of 責め (torture, blame, the continuative form of 責める) and 具 (tool, implement).