Main Entry:

¹lump

Pronunciation:

\ˈləmp\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English

Date:

14th century

1: a piece or mass of indefinite size and shape2 a: aggregate, totality <taken in the lump> b: majority3: protuberance ; especially : an abnormal swelling4: a person who is heavy and awkward ; also : one who is stupid or dull5plural a: beatings, bruises <had taken a lot of lumps growing up in the city> b: defeat, loss <can cheerfully take his lumps on losers, because the payout is big on the winners — Martin Mayer>

— lump in one's throat

: a constriction of the throat caused by emotion