clumps

English

Etymology

The game of asking questions is so called because the players take sides in two "clumps" or groups.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /klʌmps/
• Rhymes: -ʌmps

Verb

clumps

1. third-person singular simple present indicative of clump

Noun

clumps

1. plural of clump

Noun

clumps

1. A game in which questions are asked for the purpose of enabling the questioners to discover a word or thing previously selected by two persons who answer the questions.

   Synonym: clubs

   • 1920, E. F. Benson, Queen Lucia:

     We'll have supper extremely soon […] But just one game of clumps first.

   • 1976, John Betjeman, Indoor Games near Newbury:

     There you looked and there you led me off into the game of clumps.