Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Mum.

 Multum in Parvo (Latin).Mumbo Jumbo. 
CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
 
Mum.
 
A strong beer made in Brunswick; so called from Christian Mummer, by whom it was first brewed.   1
   Mum (a mask), hence mummer.   2
   Mum’s the word. Keep what is told you a profound secret. (See MUMCHANCE.)   3
       
“Seal up your lips, and give no words but—mum.”
       
Shakespeare: 2 Henry VI., 1.2.
 


 Multum in Parvo (Latin).Mumbo Jumbo. 

 
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