hunch

Definition

A hump; a protuberance.

Etymology

Assibilated variant of hunk, of uncertain origin. Alternatively, a derivative of hump, via an earlier Middle English *hunche, *humpchin, from *hump + -chin, -chen (diminutive suffix), equivalent to hump + -kin. In the sense of an intuitive impression, said to be from the old gambling superstition that it brings luck to touch the hump of a hunchback.

Example Sentences

• "The old man walked with a hunch."
• "I have a hunch they'll find a way to solve the problem."
• "a hunch of bread"