Whine (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Whined (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Whining.] [OE. whinen, AS. hwinan to make a whistling, whizzing sound; akin to Icel. hvina, Sw. hvina, Dan. hvine, and probably to G. wiehern to neigh, OHG. wihn, hweijn; perhaps of imitative origin. Cf. Whinny, v. i.]

To utter a plaintive cry, as some animals; to mean with a childish noise; to complain, or to tell of sorrow, distress, or the like, in a plaintive, nasal tone; hence, to complain or to beg in a mean, unmanly way; to moan basely.

"Whining plovers."

Spenser.

The hounds were . . . staying their coming, but with a whining accent, craving liberty. Sir P. Sidney.

Dost thou come here to whine? Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Whine, v. t.

To utter or express plaintively, or in a mean, unmanly way; as, to whine out an excuse.

 

© Webster 1913.


Whine, n.

A plaintive tone; the nasal, childish tone of mean complaint; mean or affected complaint.

 

© Webster 1913.

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