thumbkin

English

Etymology

From thumb +‎ -kin.

Noun

thumbkin (plural thumbkins)

  1. (historical) An instrument of torture for compressing the thumb; a thumbscrew.
  2. (rare, childish) The thumb.
    • 1895, Margaret Naomi MacArthur, Kindergarten Review‎[1], Finger Play, page 75:
      Thumbkin is the pusher.
      Pointer shows us where to go.
      Tall-man wears the thimble,
      And helps us all to sew.

References

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