'Thumbing' definitions:

Definition of 'Thumbing'

From: GCIDE
  • Thumb \Thumb\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Thumbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Thumbing.]
  • 1. To handle awkwardly. --Johnson. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To play with the thumbs, or with the thumbs and fingers; as, to thumb over a tune. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To soil or wear with the thumb or the fingers; to soil, or wear out, by frequent handling; also, to cover with the thumb; as, to thumb the touch-hole of a cannon. [1913 Webster]
  • He gravely informed the enemy that all his cards had been thumbed to pieces, and begged them to let him have a few more packs. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]