bumble puppy (bumblpup"i), (bumblpup"i)

1. The game of nine-holes. [Prov. Eng.]-2. In whist, a manner of playing "either in utter ignorance of all its known principles, or in defiance of them, or both" ( Pembridge ). Between the worst whist and the best bumble puppy it is almost impo ible to draw the line. Other elementary forms, protozoa, for instance, are often so much alike that it is difficult to decide whether they are plants or animals. Pembridge, Whist or Bumble puppy? (1883), p. 1. bumbler (bum'blėr), n. A bumblebee. bumbler-box (bum'bler-boks), n. A wooden toy used by boys to hold bumblebees. bumbles (bum'blz), n. pl. [E.dial.] 1. Rushes. -2. A kind of blinkers. Hall i well. [Prov. Eng.] bumble-staff (bum'bl-staf), n. A thick stick. [North. Eng.]