ˈbum-ˈbee Sc.
[f. bum v.2 hum + bee n.1]
= bumble-bee. With quot. 1653 cf. bum-bailiff.
| 1653 Urquhart Rabelais ii. xi. The Swissers, who had assembled themselves to the full number of the Bum-bees, and Myrmidons. 1718 Ramsay Contin. Christ's Kirk iii. xix, Spawn'd out..Wi' mony an unco skirl and shout, Like bumbees frae their bykes. 1789 Davidson Seasons 5 (Jam.) Auld farnyear stories come athwart their minds, Of bumbee bykes. 1826 J. Wilson Noct. Ambr. Wks. 1855 I. 153 Caterpillars and bumbees and a' the rest o' the insect world. 1862 D. Campbell Language, &c. Highl. Clans, The inexpressive notes..made by three unfortunate bumbees. |