Sc. [f. BUM v.2 hum + BEE sb.1] = BUMBLE-BEE. With quot. 1653 cf. BUMBAILIFF.
1653. Urquhart, Rabelais, II. xi. The Swissers, who had assembled themselves to the full number of the Bum-bees, and Myrmidons.
1718. Ramsay, Contin. Christ’s Kirk, III. xix. Spawn’d out … Wi’ mony an unco skirl and shout, Like bumbees frae their bykes.
1789. Davidson, Seasons, 5 (Jam.).
| Auld farnyear stories come athwart their minds, | |
| Of bum-bee bykes, pet pyats, doos, and keaws. |
1826. J. Wilson, Noct. Ambr., Wks. 1855, I. 153. Caterpillars and bumbees and a’ the rest o’ the insect world.
1862. D. Campbell, Language, &c. Highl. Clans. The inexpressive notes … made by three unfortunate bumbees.
