The Collaborative International Dictionary
Lump \Lump\ (l[u^]mp), n. [Cf. OD. lompe piece, mass. Cf. Lunch.]
A small mass of matter of irregular shape; an irregular or shapeless mass; as, a lump of coal; a lump of iron ore. `` A lump of cheese.''
--Piers Plowman. `` This lump of clay.''
--Shak.A mass or aggregation of things.
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(Firearms) A projection beneath the breech end of a gun barrel. In the lump, In a lump, the whole together; in gross. They may buy them in the lump. --Addison. Lump coal, coal in large lumps; -- the largest size brought from the mine. Lump sum,
a gross sum without a specification of items; as, to award a lump sum in satisfaction of all claims and damages.
a single sum paid once in satisfaction of a claim, as contrasted with the alternate choice of several payments over a period of time; -- sometimes allowed, e.g., as an alternative to periodical pension payments for a lifetime.