Sput"ter (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sputtered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sputtering.] [From the root of spout or spit to eject from the mputh. Cf. Splutter.]

1.

To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small, scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.

2.

To utter words hastily and indistinctly; to speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.

They could neither of them speak their rage, and so fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting apples. Congreve.

3.

To throw out anything, as little jets of steam, with a noise like that made by one sputtering.

Like the green wood . . . sputtering in the flame. Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sput"ter, v. t.

To spit out hastily by quick, successive efforts, with a spluttering sound; to utter hastily and confusedly, without control over the organs of speech.

In the midst of caresses, and without the last pretend incitement, to sputter out the basest accusations. Swift.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sput"ter, n.

Moist matter thrown out in small detached particles; also, confused and hasty speech.

 

© Webster 1913.

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