Middle English Dictionary Entry

finger n.
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Entry Info

Forms finger n. Also vinger. Pl. fingres, -eres, -ers.
Etymology OE finger; fingras.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) One of the terminal members of the hand; a finger; rarely, one of the four digits excluding the thumb; also, a specific finger or one of the fingers customarily used in performing a certain act, such as pointing, beckoning, feeling, writing, holding, etc.; (b) combs. to designate specific fingers: shewing finger, fore ~; long finger, middel ~; ring finger, leche ~; litel finger, leste ~, ere ~; the fingers are commonly numbered the first, second, etc., beginning with the thumb, less commonly beginning with the little finger; (c) a finger, especially the little finger, regarded as a token of something of small size, little value, or insignificant strength.
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2.
The finger (s) regarded as the instrument or symbol of creation, power, etc., as attributed to God; finger of God, a designation of the Holy Spirit or of the power and working of God through the Holy Spirit.
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3.
the five fingres, the five means by which the devil tempts.
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4.
One of the digits of the foot, a toe (esp. of certain animals).
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5.
A finger-like projection or extension.
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6.
A unit of measure: (a) the width, thickness or length of a finger; (b) finger-mel, the measure (width) of a finger; finger-brede, the width of a finger; fingres lenge, finger-length, the length of a finger; fingres gretnesse, the width of a finger; (c) finger-gret, as wide or as long as a finger.
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7.
Cpds.: (a) ~ ende, finger tip; ~ nail, fingeres nailes; (b) ~ ston cast, a stone's throw.
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8.
Phrases: folden fingres, clasp hands as a token of good faith; marken with fingres, strecchen out~, point an accusing finger at someone; leien finger on, touch (someone) with hostile intent; putten ~ to, move a finger, do something.
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Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • a1325 Add.46919 Cook.Recipes (Add 46919)53.45/7 : Vche an pertie beo of þe leynþe of a paume & an half & of þreo vyngres.
    • Note: New spelling
    Note: Antedates 6.(a)
  • a1440 Palmistry (1) (DgbR 4)12 : If this lyne turne any thyng to the myd fyngur, he shal haue in his werkis much favor of fortune.
    • Note: New spelling
    Note: New comb.
  • ?c1400(1379) Daniel *Treat.Uroscopy (Roy 17.D.1)f.7va (1.3) : To þis portonarie is knyte and tyede a therme þat is callede..Þe duodene..he bereþ in lengh 12 fyngerbrede, i. vppon þe proporcioun of euery man, woman, or childe; and it is of quantite euen with portonarie.
    • Note: Additional quot. for sense 6.(b).

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. finger.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc. (sense 1.(b)), see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. least finger.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc. (sense 1.(b)), see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. little finger.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc. (sense 1.(b)), see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. middle finger.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc. (sense 1.(b)), see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. showing finger.

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