Thim"ble (?), n. [OE. thimbil, AS.
&?;&?;mel, fr. &?;&?;ma a thumb. √56. See
Thumb.] 1. A kind of cap or cover, or sometimes
a broad ring, for the end of the finger, used in sewing to protect the
finger when pushing the needle through the material. It is usually made of
metal, and has upon the outer surface numerous small pits to catch the head
of the needle.
2. (Mech.) Any thimble-shaped appendage or
fixure. Specifically: -- (a) A tubular piece,
generally a strut, through which a bolt or pin passes.
(b) A fixed or movable ring, tube, or lining placed in
a hole. (c) A tubular cone for expanding a flue;
-- called ferrule in England.
3. (Naut.) A ring of thin metal formed with
a grooved circumference so as to fit within an eye-spice, or the like, and
protect it from chafing.
Thim"ble (?), n. [OE. thimbil, AS.
&?;&?;mel, fr. &?;&?;ma a thumb. √56. See
Thumb.] 1. A kind of cap or cover, or sometimes
a broad ring, for the end of the finger, used in sewing to protect the
finger when pushing the needle through the material. It is usually made of
metal, and has upon the outer surface numerous small pits to catch the head
of the needle.
2. (Mech.) Any thimble-shaped appendage or
fixure. Specifically: -- (a) A tubular piece,
generally a strut, through which a bolt or pin passes.
(b) A fixed or movable ring, tube, or lining placed in
a hole. (c) A tubular cone for expanding a flue;
-- called ferrule in England.
3. (Naut.) A ring of thin metal formed with
a grooved circumference so as to fit within an eye-spice, or the like, and
protect it from chafing.
