E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Thimble.
Scotch, Thummle, originally “Thumb-bell,” because it was worn on the thumb, as sailors still wear their thimbles. It is a Dutch invention, introduced into England in 1695 by John Lofting, who opened a thimble manufactory at Islington.
