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thumbstall

American  
[thuhm-stawl] / ˈθʌmˌstɔl /

noun

  1. a protective sheath of rubber, leather, or the like for the thumb.

thumbstall British  
/ ˈθʌmˌstɔːl /

noun

  1. a protective sheathlike cover for the thumb

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of thumbstall

First recorded in 1580–90; thumb + stall 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The "Supply" box with a waist-belt for each Boarder, Pikeman, Fireman, Sail-trimmer, and Pumpman; a primed candle for each battle-lantern; a thumbstall and vent-guard for the 1st and 2d Captains of each gun.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

"I thank ye," she said heartily, and pressing down the thumbstall of the latch, went in.

From Sir Gibbie by MacDonald, George

The thumbstall has been made of various materials, but its use is somewhat inconvenient for the Gun Captain, and he cannot feel that the vent is stopped.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.