Definition of "thumb one's nose" in English

Verb

1. To place a thumb upon the tip of the nose, typically with the fingers spread and while simultaneously wiggling one's fingers, in a gesture of disrespect.

   • My brother thumbed his nose in reply to my snide remarks.

2. To act disrespectfully, especially by flouting the object of disrespect.

   • Richard Feynman delighted in thumbing his nose at the dissidents and workers.