forefinger

[ fawr-fing-ger, fohr- ]

/ ˈfɔrˌfɪŋ gər, ˈfoʊr- /

the first finger next to the thumb.

Also called index finger.

Origin of forefinger

First recorded in 1400–50, forefinger is from the late Middle English word forefyngure. See fore-, finger

Frequently the tips of the forefingers are placed together, and the hands drawn apart, until they reach the positions described.

Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples And Deaf-Mutes |Garrick Mallery
The old gentleman made no reply to this, but putting his two forefingers in his mouth he whistled loudly.

Ting-a-ling |Frank Richard Stockton
He held it up between his forefingers and thumbs, and cracked a rough, foolish joke—no matter what it was.

Over the Sliprails |Henry Lawson
An Ifugao explained this to me by putting his hands parallel, the forefingers together.

Ifugao Law |R. F. Burton

Raise both hands, grasped in the manner of shaking hands, or by locking the two forefingers firmly while the hands are held up.

Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples And Deaf-Mutes |Garrick Mallery

forefinger

/ (ˈfɔːˌfɪŋɡə) /

the finger next to the thumb Also called: index finger

forefinger

[ fôr′fĭng′gər ]

index finger