(n.) A long pole or spar, run out for the purpose of extending the
bottom of a particular sail; as, the jib boom, the studding-sail boom,
etc.
(n.) A long spar or beam, projecting from the mast of a derrick,
from the outer end of which the body to be lifted is suspended.
(n.) A pole with a conspicuous top, set up to mark the channel in
a river or harbor.
(n.) A strong chain cable, or line of spars bound together,
extended across a river or the mouth of a harbor, to obstruct
navigation or passage.
(n.) A line of connected floating timbers stretched across a
river, or inclosing an area of water, to keep saw logs, etc., from
floating away.
(v. t.) To extend, or push, with a boom or pole; as, to boom out a
sail; to boom off a boat.
(v. i.) To cry with a hollow note; to make a hollow sound, as the
bittern, and some insects.
(v. i.) To make a hollow sound, as of waves or cannon.
(v. i.) To rush with violence and noise, as a ship under a press
of sail, before a free wind.
(v. i.) To have a rapid growth in market value or in popular
favor; to go on rushingly.
(n.) A hollow roar, as of waves or cannon; also, the hollow cry of
the bittern; a booming.
(n.) A strong and extensive advance, with more or less noisy
excitement; -- applied colloquially or humorously to market prices, the
demand for stocks or commodities and to political chances of aspirants
to office; as, a boom in the stock market; a boom in coffee.
(v. t.) To cause to advance rapidly in price; as, to boom railroad
or mining shares; to create a "boom" for; as to boom Mr. C. for
senator.
