Dumbly's title...

[Steve Vander Ark]

No: HPFGUIDX 1968


> In this context, 'mugwump' means 'big shot'. 

Possibly. But the Lexicon Webster Dictionary (no connection to my 
website) defines it somewhat differently, and this may just be 
important. Here's what it says:


"mug-wump, n. (Algonquian mugquomp, leader) 

A Republican at the time of the presidential campaign of 1884 who 
refused to support the party nominee, James C. Blaine; 

any independent voter, who may or may not be a member of a regular 
party; 

one who espouses both sides of a controversial question; 

a fence-straddler; 

one with pretensions of political superiority."


There are some nuances here which might tell us something about the 
way JKR sees Dumbledore's character. Taken positively, it could 
suggest an open mind, or at least one who doesn't prejudge or jump to 
conclusions without all the facts. This certainly sounds like our 
man. There is an element of independence as well which we see in his 
allowing Moody to teach things which the Ministry didn't think 
appropriate (the curses). He lets Lupin come to Hogwarts and later 
hires him to teach, he gives Hagrid a second chance and eventually 
makes him a teacher as well, etc. Also, Dumbledore doesn't follow the 
accepted Ministry ideas or ways to do things, which is what makes him 
ultimately able to see what's happening and take steps to fight back. 

Steve Vander Ark
The Harry Potter Lexicon
http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon