Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SLUMP, v.i. [G. schlump, Dan. and Sw. slump, a hap or chance, accident, that is, a fall.]

To fall or sink suddenly into water or mud, when walking on a hard surface, as on ice or frozen ground, not strong enough to bear the person. [This legitimate word is in common and respectable use in New England, and its signification is so appropriate that no other word will supply its place.]