subs. (stock exchange and colloquial).—1. A sudden fall: of prices; an ignominious failure: e.g., a SLUMP in Kaffirs. As verb. = to fall heavily (Scots’) SLUMP = all of a piece; to come down with a rush.
1888. W. D. HOWELLS, Annie Kilburn, xxv. What a SLUMP!—what a SLUMP! That blessed short-legged little seraph has spoilt the best sport that ever was.
2. (common).—A gross amount; the whole: e.g., ‘a SLUMP sum.’ As verb. = to lump, or group together.
d. 1856. SIR W. HAMILTON, Lectures on Metaphysics, xxvii. These different groups … are exclusively slumped together under that sense.
1873. W. MATHEWS, Getting on in the World, ii. SLUMPING the temptations which were easy to avoid with those which were comparatively irresistible.
3. (American College).—To recite badly; to fail; to bungle.
