3 entries under this word
(thŭm), n. [A-S. thuma or thûma, O. Fries. thûma, tuma, tum, Icel. thumalfingr, Dan. tommelfinger, Norw. tume, Sw. tum, tumme, D. duim, L. Ger. duum, O. H. Ger. dûmo, M. H. Ger. dûme, N. H. Ger. daume, daumen.] The short, thick finger of the human hand, or the corresponding member of other animals; the first of the fingers, differing from the rest in having but two phalanges.
(thŭm), v. t. [imp. & p. p. THUMBED; p. pr. & vb. n. THUMBING.]
Sense 1. To handle awkwardly; to play with the fingers; as, to thumb over a tune.
Sense 2. To soil or wear with the thumb or the fingers; to soil or wear out by frequent handling.
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.
(thŭm), v. i. To play with the thumbs, or with the thumbs and fingers; to thrum.