ˈfɪŋɡə n. & v. --n. 1
any of
the terminal projections of the
hand (including or excluding the thumb). 2 the
part of a
glove etc.
intended to
cover a finger. 3 a a finger-like
object (fish finger). b a long
narrow structure. 4 colloq. a
measure of
liquor in a
glass, based on the
breadth of a finger. 5 sl. a an
informer. b a
pickpocket. c a
policeman. --v.tr. 1
touch,
feel, or
turn about with the fingers. 2 Mus. a
play (a passage) with fingers used in a
particular way. b mark (music) with signs
showing which fingers are to be used. c play
upon (an instrument) with the fingers. 3 US sl.
indicate (a
victim, or a
criminal to the police). øall fingers
and thumbs
clumsy. finger
alphabet a
form of
sign language using the fingers. finger-board a flat strip at the top
end of a
stringed instrument,
against which the strings are pressed to
determine tones. finger-bowl (or -glass) a
small bowl
for rinsing the fingers
during a meal. finger language language expressed by
means of the finger alphabet. finger-mark a mark left on a
surface by a finger. finger-paint n.
paint that can be
applied with the fingers. --v.intr.
apply paint with the fingers. finger-plate a
plate fixed to a
door above the
handle to
prevent finger-marks. finger-post a
signpost at a road
junction. one's fingers
itch (often foll. by to + infin.)
one is
longing or
impatient. finger-stall a cover to
protect a finger,
esp.
when injured.
get (or pull) one's finger
out sl.
cease prevaricating and
start to
act.
have a finger in the pie be (esp. officiously)
concerned in the
matter. lay a finger on touch
however slightly. put one's finger on
locate or
identify exactly. put the finger on sl. 1
inform against. 2 identify (an intended victim).
twist (or wind)
round one's finger (or
little finger)
persuade (a person)
without difficulty,
dominate (a person) completely.
work one's fingers to the
bone see BONE. øøfingered adj. (also in comb.). fingerless adj. [OE f. Gmc]