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. &unr_; 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A dwarf; a goblin; a person of small stature or misshapen features, or of strange appearance. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zool.) A small owl (Glaucidium gnoma) of the Western United States. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. [ Gr. &unr_;. ] A brief reflection or maxim. Peacham.