v. Obs. exc. dial. Also 6–7 bumbast, bombast(e. [app. f. BUM sb.1 + BASTE v.3: but bum might be a meaningless intensive or reduplicative prefix; cf. next.] trans. To beat on the posteriors; hence, to flog, beat soundly, thrash.
1571. R. Edwardes, Damon & Pithias, in Dodsley, IV. 60. I shall bombast you, you mocking knave.
1616. Surfl. & Markh., Countr. Farm, I. xxviii. 140. You must bumbast his buttocks with a good long sticke.
1657. Tomlinson, Renou’s Disp., 50. We use first well to smite and bombaste them [vipers] with rods.
1682. New News fr. Bedlam, 56. I am resolved to bumbast him as soon as you are gone.
1731. Bailey, II. To bumbaste [of bum and baste, i. e. to beat] to beat or bang.
1847–78. Halliwell, Bumbaste. To beat, or flog. East.
b. ? To finish off, ‘dispose of’ (a can of liquor).
1640. Glapthorne, Wit in Constable, V. ii. Here let’s canvass This quart and then we’ll bumbaste off another.
Hence Bumbasting ppl. a., ‘thumping,’ violent.
1598. Florio, Rugione, a good drie bumbasting blow.
