[L. bombus boom, hum.]
1. Med. A humming or buzzing noise in the intestines, ears, etc.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v.
1880. Syd. Soc. Lex., Bombus, a ringing noise in the ears. Also a sonorous movement of flatus in the intestines.
† 2. ‘In music, an artificial motion with the hands, imitating, in cadence and harmony, the buzzing of bees.’ Chambers, Cycl. Supp., 1753. Obs.
3. Entomol. The genus of insects containing the humble-bees.
