| 释义 |
ˈthumb-mark, n.
A mark made with the thumb, esp. on the page of a book in turning the leaves; also, such a mark made with the inked thumb for identification of a person. Also attrib.
1845Longfellow To Old Danish Song-bk. iii, There are thumb-marks on thy margin, Made by hands that clasped thee rudely. 1866G. Macdonald Ann. Q. Neighb. xi, Thumb-marks I find very obnoxious. 1889Doyle Micah Clarke 185 It is impossible to get the thumb-marks of any two men to be alike. 1904Westm. Gaz. 20 June 3/1 Thumb-mark impressions are to be taken—a precaution which in..England..is only taken in the case of criminals.
b. transf. (See quot.)
1877G. Stables Pract. Kennel Guide iii. (ed. 3) 36 [Words used in the Fancy] Thumb-mark, an obliquely-shaped black mark crossing the foot of a well-bred Black-and-tan above the toes.
Hence ˈthumb-mark v., trans. to make a thumb-mark upon; to mark with the thumb.
1891J. L. Kipling Beast & Man in India xviii. 400 St. Peter thumb-marked the haddock when he took from its gills the providential tribute money. 1909Kipling Actions & Reactions 114 Captain Parnall thumbmarks and passes it to Mr. Geary. |