Thimble

Thumb Bell is the original name for thimble.
The name, pretty much tells its own origin.
The thumb bell is a thumb cover/protector in the shape of a bell.

This device was invented in 1684 by a Dutch metalworker,
to protect the thumb of his sweetheart as she
"engaged with a needle and thread"...or so the story goes.

It was initially worn on the thumb but
that soon changed. So did the name....but only slightly.
It became thimble.