THIMBLE

thimble

(noun) a small metal cap to protect the finger while sewing; can be used as a small container

thimble, thimbleful

(noun) as much as a thimble will hold

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

thimble (plural thimbles)

(sewing) A pitted, now usually metal, cap for the fingers, used in sewing to push the needle.

Synonym: thumbstall

A similarly shaped socket in machinery.

A thimbleful.

(nautical) A ring of metal or rope used in a ship's rigging; it is a protection against chafing.

Source: Wiktionary

Thim"ble, n. Etym: [OE. thimbil, AS. , fr. a thumb. *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.

2. (Mech.)

Definition: 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.

3. (Naut.)

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition