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bummery en · NOUN · etymology 1

Etymology

From bum + -ery and the idea that they were a collective of bums?

Meanings

1. (historical, uncountable) The faction of the Industrial Workers of the World in the 20th century which favored direct action.
   • But the hour belonged to the bummery. Proclaiming a millennial vision of “One Big Union,” the hobo insurgents won the day, ousting the home-guard and dedicating the IWW to direct economic action exclusively. 2010, Todd DePastino, Citizen Hobo: How a Century of Homelessness Shaped America, page 95:
   • When De Leon broke with the I. W. W. in 1908 there were again members of the Party who declaimed against his abandoning the I. W. W. - members who had no sympathy with the bummery element. 1924, Proceedings of the National Convention of the Socialist Labor Party, page 36:

bummery en · NOUN · etymology 2

Etymology

Variant form.

Meanings

1. (alt-of, obsolete) Obsolete form of bottomry.
   alt of bottomry
   • R. North There was a scrivener of Wapping brought to hearing for relief against a bummery bond.