Thumbing

noun
1.
the short, thick, inner digit of the human hand, next to the forefinger.
2.
the corresponding digit in other animals; pollex.
3.
the part of a glove or mitten for containing this digit.
4.
Architecture. an ovolo or echinus molding.
verb (used with object)
5.
to soil or wear with the thumbs in handling, as the pages of a book.
6.
to glance through (the pages of a book, leaflet, etc.) quickly.
7.
to play (a guitar or other instrument) with or as with the thumbs.
8.
(of a hitchhiker) to solicit or get (a ride) by pointing the thumb in the desired direction of travel.
Idioms
9.
all thumbs, awkward; clumsy; bungling:
The visitor almost knocked over a vase and seemed to be all thumbs.
10.
thumb one’s nose,

to put one’s thumb to one’s nose and extend the fingers as a crudely defiant or contemptuous gesture.
to express defiance or contempt; dismiss or reject contemptuously.

11.
thumbs down, a gesture or expression of dissent or disapproval:
We turned thumbs down to that suggestion.
12.
thumbs up, a gesture or expression of assent or approval.
13.
under one’s thumb, under the power or influence of; subordinate to.
Also, under the thumb of.
noun
1.
the first and usually shortest and thickest of the digits of the hand, composed of two short bones Technical name pollex, related adjective pollical
2.
the corresponding digit in other vertebrates
3.
the part of a glove shaped to fit the thumb
4.
(architect) another name for ovolo
5.
all thumbs, clumsy
6.
thumbs down, an indication of refusal, disapproval, or negation: he gave the thumbs down on our proposal
7.
thumbs up, an indication of encouragement, approval, or acceptance
8.
under someone’s thumb, at someone’s mercy or command
verb
9.
(transitive) to touch, mark, or move with the thumb
10.
to attempt to obtain (a lift or ride) by signalling with the thumb
11.
when intr, often foll by through. to flip the pages of (a book, magazine, etc) perfunctorily in order to glance at the contents
12.
thumb one’s nose at, to deride or mock, esp by placing the thumb on the nose with fingers extended

thumb (thŭm)
n.
The short thick digit of the human hand, next to the index finger and opposable to each of the other four digits.
throw the bull