Definition of "sumpter" [sump•ter]

• A pack animal, such as a horse or mule. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Etymology: French, from Middle French soumelier official charged with transportation of supplies, from Old French, pack animal driver, probably alteration of * sommerier, from somier pack animal, from Medieval Latin saugmarius, from Late Latin sagma packsaddle — more at sumpter"
• "No, somewhat less, for by all accounts the sumpter horses and certain cattle were to go with them as part of Otir's fee."
• "It made some heavy loads for a number of sumpter horses which were likewise contributed as part of the ransom price."