subs. (old).—A small quantity; as much as may be contained in a thimble: spec. a dram of spirits.
1690. DRYDEN, Amphityron, iv. 1. Yes, and measure for measure … a THIMBLEFULL of gold for a THIMBLEFULL of love.
1709. WARD, A Compleat and Humorous Account of All the Remarkable Clubs and Societies in the Cities of London and Westminster (1756), 16. Refusing all Healths, each taking off his THIMBLE-FULL … paying … what himself calls for.
1885. Daily Telegraph, 11 Sept. Had the credit of suggesting the addition of a THIMBLEFUL of Veuve Cliquot.
