Gnome \Gnome\, n. [F. gnome, prob. fr. Gr. gnw`mon one that
knows, a guardian, i. e., of the treasures in the inner parts
of the earth, or fr. ? intelligence, both fr. gnw^nai,
gignw^skein, to know. See {Know}.]
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.
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2. A dwarf; a goblin; a person of small stature or misshapen
features, or of strange appearance.
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3. (Zool.) A small owl ({Glaucidium gnoma}) of the Western
United States.
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4. [Gr. ?.] A brief reflection or maxim. --Peacham. Gnomic