miller's-thumb

[mil-erz-thuhm]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of several small, freshwater sculpins of the genus Cottus, of Europe and North America.

miller's thumb

noun

any of several small freshwater European fishes of the genus Cottus, esp C. gobio, having a flattened body: family Cottidae (bullheads, etc)

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of miller's-thumb¹

1400–50; late Middle English milneres thume; the fish is so called from its thumblike head

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of miller's-thumb¹

C15: from the alleged likeness of the fish's head to a thumb

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He often would Hurly-burly Get up early And go By hook or crook To the brook, And bring home Miller’s-thumb, Tittlebat, Not over fat, Minnows small As the stall Of a glove, Not above The size Of a nice Little baby’s Little fingers.”

From

The MILLER'S-THUMB, or BULL-HEAD, is a fish of no pleasing shape.

From

Miller's law Milles

Browse