Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BUMPLE, n.
1. A bundle.Arg. 1882 Argyllsh. Herald (3 June):
Haikin aboot the hoose wi a bumple o' loodjacks [rags] in your oxter like a luchter o' pease-strae.
2. “A puckered or gathered part in a garment [or in footwear]” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb.(D) 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes an Knowes 15:
A'd naether bumple . . . nor blusht-bit ti . . . gar iz humple or turn lameter.
Hence bumply, adj., (1) “of a garment, etc.: Puckered” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); (2) “of trousers: Misfitting: ‘Bumply breeks'” (Ib.).
[Prob. of same origin as Bumfle and Bumph.]
