<tool> 1. (From WAITS, via BSD Unix) A program that displays information about a particular user or all users logged on the system, or a remote system. Finger typically shows full name, last login time, idle time, terminal line, and terminal location (where applicable). It may also display a plan file left by the user (see also Hacking X for Y). Some versions take a "-l" (long) argument which yeilds more information.
2. Any picture (composed of ASCII art) depicting "the finger". Originally a humorous component of one's plan file to deter the curious fingerer, it has entered the arsenal of some flamers.
(14 Dec 1995)