Thumb mark

Thumb Thumb, n. [OE. thombe, thoumbe, [thorn]ume, AS. [thorn][=u]ma; akin to OFries. th[=u]ma, D. duim, G. daumen, OHG. d[=u]mo, Icel. [thorn]umall, Dan. tommelfinger, Sw. tumme, and perhaps to L. tumere to swell. [root]56. Cf. {Thimble}, {Tumid}.] The short, thick first digit of the human hand, differing from the other fingers in having but two phalanges; the pollex. See {Pollex}. [1913 Webster]

Upon his thumb he had of gold a ring. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

{Thumb band}, a twist of anything as thick as the thumb. --Mortimer.

{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}. (a) The mark left by the impression of a thumb, as on the leaves of a book. --Longfellow. (b) The dark spot over each foot in finely bred black and tan terriers.

{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. --Shak.

{Thumb stall}. (a) A kind of thimble or ferrule of iron, or leather, for protecting the thumb in making sails, and in other work. (b) (Mil.) A buckskin cushion worn on the thumb, and used to close the vent of a cannon while it is sponged, or loaded.

{Under one's thumb}, completely under one's power or influence; in a condition of subservience. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]