thimble etymology

Etymology

The word "thimble" comes from the Old English word "thȳmel," which means "thumb."

Meaning

A thimble is a small, usually metal cap with a grooved or ridged surface that is worn on the tip of the thumb to protect it from the friction and pressure of a needle when sewing.

Origin

The earliest thimbles were made of leather, bone, or horn. Metal thimbles began to appear in the 14th century. The first metal thimbles were made of iron, but later ones were made of brass, copper, silver, or gold.

The invention of the sewing machine in the 19th century led to a decline in the use of thimbles. However, thimbles are still used today by hand sewers and quilters.

thimble relate terms

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