Gnome \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. ? 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.
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   2. A dwarf; a goblin; a person of small stature or misshapen
      features, or of strange appearance.
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   3. (Zool.) A small owl (Glaucidium gnoma) of the Western
      United States.
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   4. [Gr. ?.] A brief reflection or maxim. --Peacham. Gnomic