Thimble

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Thimble \Thim"ble\, n. [OE. thimbil, AS. ??mel, fr. ??ma a
     thumb. [root]56. See {Thumb}.]
     1. A kind of cap or cover, or sometimes a broad ring, for the
        end of the finger, used in sewing to protect the finger
        when pushing the needle through the material. It is
        usually made of metal, and has upon the outer surface


        numerous small pits to catch the head of the needle.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Mech.) Any thimble-shaped appendage or fixure.
        Specifically:
        (a) A tubular piece, generally a strut, through which a
            bolt or pin passes.
        (b) A fixed or movable ring, tube, or lining placed in a
            hole.
        (c) A tubular cone for expanding a flue; -- called
            {ferrule} in England.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Naut.) A ring of thin metal formed with a grooved
        circumference so as to fit within an eye-spice, or the
        like, and protect it from chafing.
        [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Bushing \Bush"ing\, n. [See 4th {Bush}.]
     1. The operation of fitting bushes, or linings, into holes or
        places where wear is to be received, or friction
        diminished, as pivot holes, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Mech.) A bush or lining; -- sometimes called a {thimble}.
        See 4th {Bush}.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  thimble
       n 1: as much as a thimble will hold [syn: {thimbleful}]
       2: a small metal cap to protect the finger while sewing; can be
          used as a small container