The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Sputter \Sput"ter\ (sp[u^]t"t[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
   Sputtered (-t[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sputtering.] [From
   the root of spout or spit to eject from the mouth. Cf.
   Splutter.]
   1. To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small,
      scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.
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   2. To utter words hastily and indistinctly; to speak so
      rapidly as to emit saliva.
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            They could neither of them speak their rage, and so
            fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting
            apples.                               --Congreve.
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   3. To throw out anything, as little jets of steam, with a
      noise like that made by one sputtering.
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            Like the green wood . . . sputtering in the flame.
                                                  --Dryden.
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