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definitions

thumbpiece

[thuhm-pees]
noun
  1. a lever over the hinge on the lid of a tankard, pressed by the thumb to raise the lid.

Origin of thumbpiece

First recorded in 1750–60; thumb + piece
Also called billet.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for thumbpiece

Historical Examples of thumbpiece

  • A thumbpiece must be sewn on the bag at the hasp to open it by.

  • He knows it will squirt if he touches the thumbpiece, but it is as liable to hit him in the face, or wet his feet as anything.

  • Above the handle, and attached to the lid, a metal flange or thumbpiece.

    Europe After 8:15

    H. L. Mencken, George Jean Nathan and Willard Huntington Wright

  • Grasp the handle, press your thumb on the thumbpiece—and presto, the lid heaves up.

    Europe After 8:15

    H. L. Mencken, George Jean Nathan and Willard Huntington Wright

  • They were almost upon him when Kalvar Dard pressed in the thumbpiece of the bomb; they were clutching at him when he released it.

    Genesis

    H. Beam Piper