[syn: rumor, rumour, bruit]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Rumor \Ru"mor\, n. [F. rumeur, L. rumor; cf. rumificare,
rumitare to rumor, Skr. ru to cry.] [Written also rumour.]
1. A flying or popular report; the common talk; hence, public
fame; notoriety.
[1913 Webster]
This rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea,
and throughout all the region round about. --Luke
vii. 17.
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Great is the rumor of this dreadful knight. --Shak.
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2. A current story passing from one person to another,
without any known authority for its truth; -- in this
sense often personified.
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Rumor next, and Chance,
And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled. --Milton.
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3. A prolonged, indistinct noise. [Obs.] --Shak.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Rumor \Ru"mor\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rumored; p. pr. & vb. n.
Rumoring.]
To report by rumor; to tell.
[1913 Webster]
'T was rumored
My father 'scaped from out the citadel. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
rumor
n 1: gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed
around by word of mouth [syn: rumor, rumour, hearsay]
v 1: tell or spread rumors; "It was rumored that the next
president would be a woman" [syn: rumor, rumour,
bruit]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):
RUMOR, n. A favorite weapon of the assassins of character.
Sharp, irresistible by mail or shield,
By guard unparried as by flight unstayed,
O serviceable Rumor, let me wield
Against my enemy no other blade.
His be the terror of a foe unseen,
His the inutile hand upon the hilt,
And mine the deadly tongue, long, slender, keen,
Hinting a rumor of some ancient guilt.
So shall I slay the wretch without a blow,
Spare me to celebrate his overthrow,
And nurse my valor for another foe.
Joel Buxter