poucette

thumb cuff

noun poo-SET Rare

Origin: diminutive of pouce, thumb

Usage Note

Poucette historically referred to a thumbscrew torture device; in modern French it can also denote a small rubber fingertip (thimble-like cap) used when handling papers. The word is a diminutive of pouce (thumb). Its historical sense is chiefly encountered in museum or historical contexts.

Examples

"L'archiviste utilise une poucette pour tourner les pages."

Natural Translation

The archivist uses a rubber fingertip to turn the pages.

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