Thumb

thum, n. the short, thick digit, consisting of two phalanges, on the radial side of the human hand: the corresponding member in other animals.— v.t. to handle awkwardly: to play or soil with the thumb or fingers.— v.i. to finger.— adj. Thumbed , having thumbs: marked by the thumb, worn.— ns. Thumb′kin , Thumb′screw , an old instrument of torture for compre ing the thumb by means of a screw.— adj. Thumb′le .— ns. Thumb′-mark , a mark left by the impre ion of the thumb on the pages of a book, .; Thumb′piece , a piece serving as a support for the thumb: a knob or projection by means of which a spring is worked by pre ure of the thumb; Thumb′pot , a very small pot used by florists for starting slips or seedlings; Thumb′-ring ( Shak. ), a ring worn on the thumb: a ring for the thumb fastened to the guard of a dagger or sword; Thumb′-stall , a covering or sheath for the thumb.— By rule of thumb , in a rough-and-ready practical manner, found by experience to be convenient; Under one's thumb , under one's influence. [With intrusive b from A.S. þuma ; cog. with Ger. daumen .]