E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dumb-bells.
A corruption of Dumpels or Dumples, the same word as Dumplings, and meaning heavy (weights). (German and Danish, dumm, heavy, dull, insipid; dumpling, a heavy, insipid pudding; dumps, heavy, stupid moroseness.) (See DUMP.)
