THUMB

vt to handle awkwardly.

2. thumb ·vt to play with the thumbs, or with the thumbs and fingers; as, to thumb over a tune.

3. thumb ·vi to play with the thumb or thumbs; to play clumsily; to thrum.

4. thumb ·noun the short, thick first digit of the human hand, differing from the other fingers in having but two phalanges; the pollex. ·see pollex.

5. thumb ·vt to soil or wear with the thumb or the fingers; to soil, or wear out, by frequent handling; also, to cover with the thumb; as, to thumb the touch-hole of a cannon.