Thumb — Defs

01 n. The short, thick first digit of the human hand, differing from the other fingers in having but two phalanges; the pollex. See Pollex.

1.
The short, thick first digit of the human hand, differing from the other fingers in having but two phalanges; the pollex. See Pollex. See: Pollex
“Upon his thumb he had of gold a ring.” — Chaucer.

Phrases & compounds

Thumb band — a twist of anything as thick as the thumb.

Thumb blue — indigo in the form of small balls or lumps, used by washerwomen to blue linen, and the like.

Thumb latch — a door latch having a lever formed to be pressed by the thumb.

Thumb mark — The mark left by the impression of a thumb, as on the leaves of a book.

Thumb nut — a nut for a screw, having wings to grasp between the thumb and fingers in turning it; also, a nut with a knurled rim for the same perpose.

Thumb ring — a ring worn on the thumb.

Thumb stall — A kind of thimble or ferrule of iron, or leather, for protecting the thumb in making sails, and in other work.

Under one's thumb — completely under one's power or influence; in a condition of subservience.

02 v. t. To handle awkwardly.

imp. & p. p. Thumbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Thumbing

1.
To handle awkwardly.
2.
To play with the thumbs, or with the thumbs and fingers; as, to thumb over a tune.
3.
To soil or wear with the thumb or the fingers; to soil, or wear out, by frequent handling; also, to cover with the thumb; as, to thumb the touch-hole of a cannon.
“He gravely informed the enemy that all his cards had been thumbed to pieces, and begged them to let him have a few more packs.” — Macaulay.

03 v. i. To play with the thumb or thumbs; to play clumsily; to thrum.

1.
To play with the thumb or thumbs; to play clumsily; to thrum.