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.
2. A dwarf; a goblin; a person of small
stature or misshapen features, or of strange appearance.
3. (Zoöl.) A small owl
(Glaucidium gnoma) of the Western United States.
4. [Gr. ?.] A brief reflection or
maxim. Peacham.