— fingerer , n. — fingerless , adj.
/fing"geuhr/ , n.
1. any of the terminal members of the hand, esp. one other than the thumb.
2. a part of a glove made to receive a finger.
3. the breadth of a finger as a unit of measurement; digit.
4. the length of a finger: approximately 4 1 / 2 in. (11 cm).
5. Slang. an informer or spy.
6. something like a finger in form or use, as a projection or pointer: a finger of land leading out into the bay; the finger on the speedometer.
7. any of various projecting parts of machines.
8. burn one's fingers , to suffer injury or loss by meddling or by acting rashly: If you get involved in the controversy, you may burn your fingers.
9. give (someone) the finger , Slang. to express contempt for by or as by the obscene gesture of pointing the middle finger upward while folding the other fingers against the palm.
10. have a finger in the pie ,
a. to have an interest or share in something.
b. to meddle in something.
11. keep one's fingers crossed , to wish for good luck or success, as in a specific endeavor: Keep your fingers crossed that I get the job.
12. lay or put one's finger on ,
a. to indicate exactly; remember: I know the name, but I can't put my finger on it.
b. to discover; locate: I haven't been able to lay my finger on the book you requested.
13. not lift a finger , to make not even a small attempt; do nothing: The house was falling into ruin, but he wouldn't lift a finger to repair it.
14. put the finger on , Slang. finger (def. 22).
15. slip through one's fingers ,
a. to elude one, as an opportunity not taken; escape: She let the chance of a lifetime slip through her fingers.
b. to pass or be consumed quickly: Money just slips through his fingers.
16. snap one's fingers (at) , to exhibit disdain or contempt (for): She snaps her fingers at the local gossip.
17. twist or wrap around one's little finger , to exert one's influence easily or successfully upon: He has a remarkable talent for twisting people around his little finger.
v.t.
18. to touch with the fingers; toy or meddle with; handle.
19. to touch with the fingers so as to mar or spoil: Please don't finger the vegetables.
20. to pilfer; filch.
21. Music.
a. to play on (an instrument) with the fingers.
b. to perform or mark (a passage of music) with a certain fingering.
22. Slang.
a. to inform against or identify (a criminal) to the authorities: He fingered the man who robbed the bank.
b. to designate as a victim, as of murder or other crime.
v.i.
23. to touch or handle something with the fingers.
24. to extend in or as in the shape of a finger: Landing piers finger out into the river along the city's shoreline.
[ bef. 900; ME, OE; c. G Finger, D vinger, ON fingr, Goth figgrs ]