vbl. sb. [f. THUMB v. + -ING1.] The action of the verb THUMB, in various senses; spec. in dicing: see quot. 1711; also, the stretching of a fabric in order to produce a soft pliable finish; in quot. 1847 the keeping of a subordinate under one’s thumb.
1623. Fletcher & Rowley, Maid in Mill, V. ii. Miller, this is not for your thumming.
1711. Puckle, Club, 22. Gamesters have the top, the peep, eclipse, thumbing. [Note. Securing with the little finger a die on the outside of the box, Ditto with the thumb, when the person play’d with, sits on the right hand.]
1845. Mech. Mag., XLII. 14. It was a known practice to pull the cloth by hand, three or four persons being stationed on each side, for the purpose of ‘thumbing’ as it was termed.
1847–78. Halliwell, Thumbing, a Nottingham phrase, used to describe that species of intimidation practised by masters on their servants when the latter are compelled to vote as their employers please.
1889. Jessopp, Coming of Friars, iii. 130. The perpetual thumbing and fingering would subject [books] to immense wear and tear.
