GNOME

gnome. Gnome, n. a supposed being in the earth guarding mines, &c.

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Gnome (?), n. [[F. gnome, prob. fr. Gr. γνώμον one that knows, a guardian, i.e., of the treasures in the inner parts of the earth, or fr. � intelligence, both fr. γνω̑ναι, γιγνω̑σκειν, to know. See Know.]] 1. 1. An imaginary being, supposed by the Rosicrucians to inhabit the inner parts of the earth, and to be the guardian of mines, quarries, etc.
2. 2. A dwarf; a goblin; a person of small stature or misshapen features, or of strange appearance.
3. 3. (Zoöl.) A small owl (Glaucidium gnoma) of the Western United States.
4. 4. [] A brief reflection or maxim. Peacham.