thimble

English

/ˈθɪmbəl/

noun
Definitions
  • (sewing) A pitted, now usually metal, cap for the fingers, used in sewing to push the needle.
  • A similarly shaped socket in machinery.
  • A thimbleful.
  • (nautical) A ring of metal or rope used in a ship's rigging; it is a protection against chafing.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English thymbyll inherited from Old English þȳmel (fingerstall, thumbstall, thimble) inherited from Proto-Germanic *þūmilaz suffix from English thumb.

Origin

English

thumb

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

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Cognates and derived terms