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n. 1. A hard, usually pitted cup worn for protection on the finger that pushes the needle in sewing. 2. Any of various tubular sockets or sleeves in machinery. 3. Nautical a. A metal ring fitted in an eye of a sail to prevent chafing. b. A metal ring around which a rope splice is passed. [Middle English thimbil, alteration of Old English thȳmel, leather finger covering, from thūma, thumb; see teuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) thimbletop: sewing thimble bottom: rope thimble  (click for a larger image) thimble |
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