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Nov 19, 2008
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—D

Dump

A Brazilian copper coin, worth about 2 1/2d.; also a round flat lump of lead used on board ship for playing quoits and chuck-penny. Hence dumpy or dumpty (squat or small). An egg is called a humpty-dumpty in the nursery verses beginning with “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,” etc.

Death saw two players playing cards,
But the game was not worth a dump.

Hood: Death's Ramble, stanza 14.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Dumps
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