Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUM, n. [Fr. somme; G. summe; D. som; Dan. sum; Sw. and L. summa, a sum; Sax. somed, L. simul, together; Sax. somnian, to assemble. These words may be from the root of Ch. פום som, Syr. ܣܡ, Heb. שום, 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! – Ps. cxxxix. Take the sum of all the congregation. – Num. i. [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 arm 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 The phrase, in sum, is obsolete or nearly so.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. – Rogers.
4. Highth; completion. Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought / My story to the sum of earthly bliss. – Milton.