rum

Etymology 1

In common use since by at least 1654, of uncertain origin. Theories include: * that it derives from rum (“fine, good”), or from the last syllable of Latin saccharum (given the harsh taste of earlier rum, the first theory is now considered unlikely), * that it is a shortening of rumbullion or rumbustion, or * that it is from a Romani word for "strong, potent" which is (perhaps) the source of ramboozle and rumfustian (but these drinks were not originally made with rum) * that it derives from rummer, from Dutch roemer

noun

1. (uncountable) A distilled spirit derived from fermented cane sugar and molasses.
   1. (countable) A serving of rum.
      Jake tossed down three rums.
   2. (countable) A kind or brand of rum.
      Bundaberg is one of my favourite rums.
2. (obsolete, slang) A queer or odd person or thing.
3. (obsolete, slang) A country parson.
   No company comes / But a rabble of tenants, and rusty dull rums. 1729, Jonathan Swift, The Grand Question Debated of Hamilton's Bawn

Etymology 2

From the earlier form rome, slang for "good"; possibly of Romani origin; compare rom.

adj

1. (obsolete) Fine, excellent, valuable.
   having a rum time
2. (Britain, colloquial, dated) Strange, peculiar.
   a rum idea; a rum fellow
   "Lor, Noah!" said Charlotte, "What a rum creature you are! Why don't you let the boy alone?" 1837-9, Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist
   "Can't you see him?" "Well, I almost thought I did—for a moment. It's such a rum light." 1951, C. S. Lewis, Prince Caspian
   "She's as 'appy as Larry, but she'll neither move nor eat. It's a rum 'un, isn't it?" It was very rum indeed. 1976, James Herriot, All Things Wise and Wonderful, page 346

noun

1. (Britain, colloquial, dated) Any odd person or thing.

Etymology 3

Shortening of rummy.

noun

1. (rare) The card game rummy.