n. & v.
n. 1 a a convex part of an otherwise flat or flatter surface. b an irregular swelling; a lump. 2 colloq. a temporary increase in quantity or number (baby bulge). 3 Naut. the bilge of a ship. 4 Mil. a salient.
v. 1 intr. swell outwards. 2 intr. be full or replete. 3 tr. swell (a bag, cheeks, etc.) by stuffing. have (or get) the bulge on sl. have or get an advantage over. bulgingly adv. bulgy adj.
[ ME f. OF boulge, bouge f. L bulga: see BUDGET ]