An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Lump

by Friedrich Kluge

Lump, m., ‘scamp, ragamuffin,’ ModHG. only; prop. identical with Lumpen, m., ‘rag, tatter,’ which in late MidHG. appears as lumpe with the same sense. It was probably introduced from LG.; comp. Du. lomp, ‘rag, tatter, patch,’ lomperd, ‘lout’ (to this OIc. leppr, ‘shield,’ is allied?); comp. Lappen and Lasse. — lumpen, vb., lit. ‘to treat or regard as a ragamuffin.’