miller's-thumb

[ mil-erz-thuhm ]

noun

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

miller's thumb

noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of miller's-thumb¹

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

Example Sentences

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg