gnome 1
— gnomish , adj.
/nohm/ , n.
1. (in folklore) one of a species of diminutive beings, usually described as shriveled little old men, that inhabit the interior of the earth and act as guardians of its treasures; troll.
2. an expert in monetary or financial affairs; international banker or financier: the gnomes of Zurich.
[ 1705-15; gnomus, perh. gnóme; see GNOME 2 ]
Syn. 1. See goblin, sylph .
gnome 2
/nohm, noh"mee/ , n.
a short, pithy expression of a general truth; aphorism.
[ 1570-80; gnóme judgment, opinion, purpose ]