chum¹ (chŭm)
n.
An intimate friend or companion.

intr.v., chummed, chum·ming, chums.

1. 1. To be an intimate friend.
   2. To display good-natured friendliness: chummed around with the other teammates.
2. To share the same room, as in a dormitory.

[Perhaps short for chamber fellow, roommate.]

chum² (chŭm)
n.
Bait usually consisting of oily fish ground up and scattered on the water.


v., chummed, chum·ming, chums.

v.intr.
To fish with such bait.

v.tr.
To lure (fish) with such bait.

[Origin unknown.]

chum³ (chŭm)
n.
A chum salmon.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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