finger

[WAITS, via BSD Unix]

1. n. A program that displays information about a particular user or all users logged on the system, or a remote system. Typically shows full name, last login time, idle time, terminal line, and terminal location (where applicable). May also display a plan file left by the user (see also Hacking X for Y).

2. vt. To apply finger to a username.

3. vt. By extension, to check a human’s current state by any means. “Foodp?” “T!” “OK, finger Lisa and see if she’s idle.”

4. Any picture (composed of ASCII characters) depicting ‘the finger’, see See figure 1. Originally a humorous component of one’s plan file to deter the curious fingerer (sense 2), it has entered the arsenal of some flamers.