finger
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 {flamer}s.
[{Jargon File}]
(1995-12-14)