Temple.
_Derivation of the Word "Bummaree" or "Bumaree"_ (Vol. iv., p. 39.).--
"BOMERIE, S. F. [terme de mer, prêt à la grosse aventure] bottomry
or bottomree."--Boyer's _Fr. and Engl. Dict._, ed. London, 1767.
The leading idea in the term _Bomerie_, and its English equivalent, when
applied to borrowing money "on a ship's keel," is the hazarding all on a
single venture: hence it is not difficult to see its application to
other transactions, especially those connected with sea; such as
wholesale purchases of fish, in which a large risk is run, with an
uncertain prospect of return.
The meaning of the word, if it be really the same, when adopted by
confectioners, would probably be assignable either to the shape of the
pans, or the use to which they were applied.
I know not whether this is to be classed among the "unsatisfactory"
derivations already submitted to your correspondent, but should be glad
to hear his opinion on its soundness.