King James Bible Dictionary

SUM, noun [Latin summa, a sum; Latin simul, together; Heb. to set or place.]

1. The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities or particulars; the amount or whole of any number of individuals or particulars added. The sum of 5 and 7 is 12.

How precious are thy thoughts to me, O God! how great is the sum of them! Psalms 139:17.

Take the sum of all the congregation. Numbers 1:2.

[Sum is now applied more generally to numbers, and number to persons.]

2. A quantity of money or currency; any amount indefinitely. I sent him a sum of money, a small sum or a large sum I received a large sum in bank notes.

3. Compendium; abridgment; the amount; the substance. This is the sum of all the evidence in the case. This is the sum and substance of all his objections. The sum of all I have said is this.

The phrase, in sum is obsolete or nearly so.

In sum the gospel considered as a law, prescribes every virtue to our conduct, and forbids every sin.

4. Highth; completion.

Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought

My story to the sum of earthly bliss.

SUM, verb transitive To add particulars into one whole; to collect two or more particular numbers into one number; to cast up; usually followed by up, but it is superfluous. Custom enables a man to sum up a long column of figures with surprising facility and correctness.

The hour doth rather sum up the moments, than divide the day.

1. To bring or collect into a small compass; to comprise in a few words; to condense. He summed up his arguments at the close of his speech, with great force and effect.

'Go to the ant, thou sluggard, ' in few words, sums up the moral of this fable.

2. In falconry, to have feathers full grown.

With prosperous wing full summ'd. [Unusual.]