mumbling

Noun
Synonyms: gumming

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. indistinct enunciation
  2. ineffectual chewing (as if without teeth)Synonyms: gumming
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Mumble \Mum"ble\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mumbled; p. pr. & vb. n. Mumbling.] [OE. momelen; cf. D. mompelen, mommelen, G. mummelen, Sw. mumla, Dan. mumle. Cf. Mum, a., Mumm, Mump, v.]

1.To speak with the lips partly closed, so as to render the sounds inarticulate and imperfect; to utter words in a grumbling indistinct manner, indicating discontent or displeasure; to mutter. [1913 Webster]

Peace, you mumbling fool.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
A wrinkled hag, with age grown double, Picking dry sticks, and mumbling to herself.— Otway.[1913 Webster]

2.To chew something gently with closed lips. [1913 Webster]

Mumbling \Mum"bling\, a. Low; indistinct; inarticulate. -- Mum"bling*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]
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