n. & v.
n. 1 any of the terminal projections of the hand (including or excluding the thumb). 2 the part of a glove etc. intended to cover a finger. 3 a a finger-like object (fish finger). b a long narrow structure. 4 colloq. a measure of liquor in a glass, based on the breadth of a finger. 5 sl. a an informer. b a pickpocket. c a policeman.
v.tr. 1 touch, feel, or turn about with the fingers. 2 Mus. a play (a passage) with fingers used in a particular way. b mark (music) with signs showing which fingers are to be used. c play upon (an instrument) with the fingers. 3 US sl. indicate (a victim, or a criminal to the police). all fingers and thumbs clumsy. finger alphabet a form of sign language using the fingers. finger-board a flat strip at the top end of a stringed instrument, against which the strings are pressed to determine tones. finger-bowl (or -glass) a small bowl for rinsing the fingers during a meal. finger language language expressed by means of the finger alphabet. finger-mark a mark left on a surface by a finger. finger-paint n. paint that can be applied with the fingers.
v.intr. apply paint with the fingers. finger-plate a plate fixed to a door above the handle to prevent finger-marks. finger-post a signpost at a road junction. one's fingers itch (often foll. by to + infin.) one is longing or impatient. finger-stall a cover to protect a finger, esp. when injured. get (or pull) one's finger out sl. cease prevaricating and start to act. have a finger in the pie be (esp. officiously) concerned in the matter. lay a finger on touch however slightly. put one's finger on locate or identify exactly. put the finger on sl. 1 inform against. 2 identify (an intended victim). twist (or wind) round one's finger (or little finger) persuade (a person) without difficulty, dominate (a person) completely. work one's fingers to the bone see BONE. fingered adj. (also in comb.). fingerless adj.
[ OE f. Gmc ]