1823. Bee, Dict. of the Turf, s.v. Hum. A knowing sort of humbug is humgumptious.
Hummer, subs. (old).—1. See quot.
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Hummer, a loud Lie, a Rapper.
1725. New Cant. Dict., s.v.
1748. T. Dyche, Dictionary (5th Ed.). Hummer (s.) a great, monstrous, or notorious lie.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
2. (American).—A man or woman of notable parts; a high stepper (q.v.); a good goer (q.v.). Cf., Rustler.
1889. Ally Sloper, 6 July. If Tootsie is anything as lively as the ‘Gaiety Girls,’ she must be a hummer.
1891. Gunter, Miss Nobody, ch. xvii. I just wanted to see my Tillie dance once. She’s a society hummer now.
3. (obsolete).—See Humbug, sense 3.