Hypertext Webster Gateway: "ferrule"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Thimble \Thim"ble\, n. [OE. thimbil, AS. ??mel, fr. ??ma a
thumb. [root]56. See {Thumb}.]
1. A kind of cap or cover, or sometimes a broad ring, for the
end of the finger, used in sewing to protect the finger
when pushing the needle through the material. It is
usually made of metal, and has upon the outer surface
numerous small pits to catch the head of the needle.
2. (Mech.) Any thimble-shaped appendage or fixure.
Specifically:
(a) A tubular piece, generally a strut, through which a
bolt or pin passes.
(b) A fixed or movable ring, tube, or lining placed in a
hole.
(c) A tubular cone for expanding a flue; -- called
{ferrule} in England.
3. (Naut.) A ring of thin metal formed with a grooved
circumference so as to fit within an eye-spice, or the
like, and protect it from chafing.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Ferrule \Fer"rule\ (? or ?; 277), n. [Formerly verrel, F.
virole, fr. L. viriola little bracelet, dim. of viriae, pl.,
bracelets; prob. akin to viere to twist, weave, and E. withe.
The spelling with f is due to confusion with L. ferrum iron.]
1. A ring or cap of metal put round a cane, tool, handle, or
other similar object, to strengthen it, or prevent
splitting and wearing.
2. (Steam Boilers) A bushing for expanding the end of a flue
to fasten it tightly in the tube plate, or for partly
filling up its mouth.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
ferrule
n : a metal cap or band placed on a wooden pole to prevent
splitting [syn: {collet}]
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