Gnome (?), n. [F. gnome, prob. fr. Gr. one that knows, a guardian, i. e., of the treasures in the inner parts of the earth, or fr. intelligence, both fr. , , 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. Zool.
A small owl (Glaucidium gnoma) of the Western United States.
4. [Gr. .]
A brief reflection or maxim.
Peacham.
© Webster 1913.