Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun In pharmacy, a confection composed of gum arabic and cane-sugar, esteemed as a demulcent.
  • noun In confectionery, a similar preparation, often made with glucose and gelatin, and variously flavored.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The creature—which looks like a cross between a Pomeranian, a green gum-drop, that creepy Snuggles bear, and just a dash of dandelion mixed with Hello Kitty—is an extraterrestrial being with extraordinary powers and a hankering for tummy-rubs.

    Buzzine » Movie Roundup – March Madness 2008

  • Gloria was chewing an amazing gum-drop and staring moodily out the window.

    The Beautiful and Damned 2003

  • One evening Miss Tway was so "worked up" about failing in a solo she was trying to sing that she fainted twice, the first time with her mouth shut, the second time with it open; and Saul, not knowing what else to do, put a gum-drop into it, which offended Miss Tway, for she thought it was his finger.

    Lippincott's Magazine, Vol. 22, September, 1878 Various

  • "She says it just in the way you might wish for a piece of plum cake or another gum-drop," she mused bitterly.

    Peggy-Alone Mary Agnes Byrne

  • I would sooner, with the old-time Egyptians, adore a well-behaved cat or a toothsome cucumber than with certain modern feather-heads and gum-drop hearts, sing hymns to a shapely foot or dimpled cheek and offer incense to

    Explanation of Catholic Morals A Concise, Reasoned, and Popular Exposition of Catholic Morals

  • Having seen what I did, I wasn't particularly surprised to meet Bobbie at the club next day looking about as merry and bright as a lonely gum-drop at an Eskimo tea-party.

    My Man Jeeves 1928

  • "And," continued John, unmoved, "is instantly handed a gum-drop by his faithful Eskimo."

    The Prince and Betty 1928

  • The bag was quite empty now, not even a gum-drop or a penny whistle was left; and Santa heaved another sigh as he tucked it under the seat of his sleigh and clambered wearily in.

    This Way to Christmas 1916

  • Gloria was chewing an amazing gum-drop and staring moodily out the window.

    The Beautiful and Damned 1918

  • He was more moved than I had ever seen him, and ate a gum-drop to cover his embarrassment.

    The After House Mary Roberts Rinehart 1917

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