[thim.ble] n [ME thymbyl, prob. alter. of OE thymel covering for the thumb, fr. thuma thumb] (15c) 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