Thumb

thum, n. The short, thick finger of the human hand, or the corresponding member of other animals. — v. t. [thumbed (thumd), thumbing.] To handle awkwardly; to play witli the fingers; to soil or wear with the thumb or the fingers. — v. i. To play with the thumbs, or with the thumbs and fingers; to thrum. — Thumb'-screw, n. A screw having the head flattened in the direction of its length, so — that it may be turned by the thumb and fore finger; an instrument of torture for crushing the thumb. — In -stall, n. A kind of thimble or ferrule of iron, horn, or leather, for protecting the thumb.