hop-o'-my-thumb

American  

[hop-uh-mahy-thuhm] / ˈhɒp ə maɪˈθʌm /

noun

1. a very small person, as a dwarf.

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Etymology

Origin of hop-o'-my-thumb

First recorded in 1520–30; noun use of imperative phrase hop on my thumb

Example Sentences

“He thinks that he may be ordered off in the boat, and is shamming sick to escape, as if such a hop-o’-my-thumb as he is could be of any use.”

From Marmaduke Merry A Tale of Naval Adventures in Bygone Days by Kingston, William Henry Giles

Why, sir, it absolutely appears to me as if this little hop-o'-my-thumb of a creature has begun to give herself airs since her marriage and her carriage.

From The Newcomes Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family by Thackeray, William Makepeace

What wrath Mr. Scowler, A.R.A., was in, because a young hop-o'-my-thumb dandy, who wore gold chains and his collars turned down, should spoil the trade and draw portraits for nothing!

From The Newcomes Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family by Thackeray, William Makepeace

The kinglet was the least of all,—a sort of "hop-o'-my-thumb" bird.

From The Wit of a Duck and Other Papers by Burroughs, John

What!" cried Roquefinette, "is it about that little hop-o'-my-thumb that you are bothering yourself?

From The Conspirators The Chevalier d'Harmental by Dumas père, Alexandre