PLUMB, n. plum. L. plumbum, lead probably a clump or lump.
A mass of lead attached to a line, and used to ascertain a perpendicular position of buildings and the like. But the word as a noun is seldom used, except in composition. See Plumb-line.
PLUMB, a. Perpendicular, that is, standing according to a plumb-line. The post of the house or the wall is plumb. This is the common language of our mechanics.
PLUMB, adv. In a perpendicular direction in a line perpendicular to the plane of the horizon. The wall stands plumb.
Plumb down he falls.
1. Directly suddenly at once as a falling mass usually pronounced plump. He fell plumb into the water.
PLUMB, To adjust by a plumb-line to set in a perpendicular direction as, to plumb a building or a wall.
1. To sound with a plummet, as the depth of water. Little used.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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