hump, to

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

v.


to shoulder, carry on the back;especially, to hump the swag, or bluey, or drum. See Swag, Bluey, Drum.

1855. W. Howitt, `Two Years in Victoria,' vol. i. p. 226:

«He `humped his swag,' in digger's phrase, that is, shoulderedhis pack and disappeared in the woods.»

1857. `Geelong Advertiser,' quoted in `Argus,' Oct. 23,p. 5, col. 3:

«The despised old chum bought his swag, `humped it,' grumbledof course.»

1891. Rolf Boldrewood, `Sydney-side Saxon,' p. 93:

«A hardwood slab-door weighs a goodish deal, as any one mayfind out that has to hump it a hundred yards.»

1893. Haddon Chambers, `Thumbnail Sketches of AustralianLife,' p. 224:

«I `humped my swag' – – i.e. tied my worldly possessions,consisting of a blanket, a pannikin, and an odd pair of boots,upon my back-and `footed it' for the capital.»

1896. H. Lawson, `When the World was Wide,' p. 134:

«But Bill preferred to hump his drum

A-paddin' of the hoof.»

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