■ noun
1》 the mass or magnitude of something large.
↘a large mass or shape.
↘[as modifier ] large in quantity: a ~ supplier.
2》 the greater part: the ~ of the traffic had passed.
3》 roughage in food.
4》 cargo in an unpackaged mass.
■ verb
1》 treat (a product) so that its quantity appears greater than it is.
2》 combine (shares or commodities for sale).
Phrases
~ large be of great size or importance.
in ~
1》 (of goods) in large quantities.
2》 (of a cargo or commodity) not packaged.
Origin
ME: prob. from ON búlki 'cargo'; perh. also by alt. of obs. bouk 'belly, body'.