Jessica G, thank you so much. And, good day too. The explanation could ease my doubts greatly, so let me consider as if your comment was the best answer. I also thank you for the examples!

1) This means that confessions were only given under extreme pressure, which you could almost call torture. This could be psychological or emotional pressure rather than physical pain, which would be torture. 2) This is an example of rhetorical technical. It’s saying that if anyone did anything at all bad to the woman or girl, even just touch one of the hairs on her head, then they should be very worried. You could also say ‘They never thought I'd amount to anything, but look at me now!’ or ‘Your behaviour amounts to an insult’. ‘If anyone so much as says a word, you’ll all get a detention!’