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

See Examples For:

hop-o'-my-thumb

At the next station we drank large quantities of hot milk, flavored with butter, sugar and cinnamon, and then pushed on, with another chubby hop-o'-my-thumb as guide and driver.

From Northern Travel Summer and Winter Pictures of Sweden, Denmark and Lapland by Taylor, Bayard

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

It seemed rather odd for these two well-dressed and well-grown girls to be convoyed by such a "hop-o'-my-thumb" as the flower-seller.

From Nan Sherwood's Winter Holidays Rescuing the Runaways by Carr, Annie Roe

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

“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