trigger finger

American  

noun

1. any finger, usually the forefinger, that presses the trigger of a gun.

2. either forefinger, depending on which hand is dominant.

3. Pathology. difficulty in straightening or bending a ring finger, caused by inflammation and thickening of its tendon.

---

Etymology

Origin of trigger finger

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

She made a frantic effort to draw the letter back, but stronger fingers than hers had it beyond the door.

From Dangerous Days by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

If any one wanted still finer thread, they could take this yarn and spin it still more, and with stronger fingers.

From The Iron Star — and what It saw on Its Journey through the Ages by True, John Preston

‘Much stronger fingers than yours could not open this prison-bag, and no knife, however sharp, could cut its skin.’

From The Piskey-Purse Legends and Tales of North Cornwall by Tregarthen, Enys

The stronger fingers are naturally better adapted to the stronger accents.

From Great Pianists on Piano Playing Study Talks with Foremost Virtuosos. A Series of Personal Educational Conferences with Renowned Masters of the Keyboard, Presenting the Most Modern Ideas upon the Subjects of Technic, Interpretation, Style and Expression by Cooke, James Francis

Eustace came back, fidgeting to get a pen mended, an operation beyond him, but patiently performed by the stronger fingers.

From My Young Alcides by Yonge, Charlotte Mary