n.
Pronunciation: ' thim-b ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English thymel, thymbyl, from Old English thy ̄ mel covering for the thumb, from th ū ma thumb
Date: 15th century
1 : a pitted cap or cover worn on the finger to push the needle in sewing
2 a : a grooved ring of thin metal used to fit in a spliced loop in a rope as protection from chafing b : a lining (as of metal) for an opening (as in a roof or wall) through which a stovepipe or chimney passes