Also bumboo, bombo. [Cf. It. bombo a child’s word for drink (Tommaseo and Bellini).] ‘A liquor composed of rum, sugar, water, and nutmeg’ (Note to Rod. Random); also other alcoholic mixtures.
1748. Smollett, Rod. Rand., xxxiv. A table well stored with bumbo and wine.
1756. T. Turner, Diary, 28 April, in Parish, Sussex Gloss., s.v., One bowl of punch and two muggs of bumboo.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Bombo, weak cold punch.
a. 1886. Northumb. Song, in N. & Q., 6 March, 195. The pitmen and the keelman … drink bumbo made of gin.
