The Collaborative International Dictionary
Bethumb
Bethumb \Be*thumb"\, v. t.
To handle; to wear or soil by handling; as books.
--Poe.
Wiktionary
bethumb
vb. (context transitive English) To take hold of or mark with the thumbs; soil or mark with frequent thumbing.
Usage examples of "bethumb".
He rubbed it bethumb and forefinger, as if testing its texture, then handed it to Howard.