thrum 1
— thrummer , n.
/thrum/ , v. , thrummed, thrumming , n.
v.i.
1. to play on a stringed instrument, as a guitar, by plucking the strings, esp. in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
2. to sound when thrummed on, as a guitar or similar stringed instrument.
3. to drum or tap idly with the fingers.
v.t.
4. to play (a stringed instrument, or a melody on it) by plucking the strings, esp. in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
5. to drum or tap idly on.
6. to recite or tell in a monotonous way.
n.
7. an act or sound of thrumming; dull, monotonous sound.
[ 1545-55; imit. ]
thrum 2
/thrum/ , n. , v. , thrummed, thrumming .
n.
1. one of the ends of the warp threads in a loom, left unwoven and remaining attached to the loom when the web is cut off.
2. thrums , the row or fringe of such threads.
3. any short piece of waste thread or yarn; tuft, tassel, or fringe of threads, as at the edge of a piece of cloth.
4. Often, thrums . Naut. short bits of rope yarn used for making mats.
v.t.
5. Naut. to insert short pieces of rope yarn through (canvas) and thus give it a rough surface, as for wrapping about a part to prevent chafing.
6. to furnish or cover with thrums, ends of thread, or tufts.
[ bef. 1000; ME throm end-piece, OE -thrum, in tungethrum ligament of the tongue, c. OHG drum end-piece; akin to ON thromr brim, edge, L terminus, Gk térma end ]