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Webster 1913 Edition

Sputter

Sput′ter

(spŭt′tẽr)
,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Sputtered
(-tẽrd)
;
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.
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.

Sput′ter

,
Verb.
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 least pretended incitement, to
sputter
out the basest accusations.
Swift.

Sput′ter

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

Webster 1828 Edition

Sputter

SPUTTER

,
Verb.
I.
[L., to spit. It belongs to the root of spout and spit; of the latter it seems to be a diminutive.]
1.
To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small or scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.
2.
To throw out moisture in small detached parts; as green wood sputtering in the flame.
3.
To fly off in small particles with some crackling or noise.
When sparkling lamps their sputtering lights advance.
4.
To utter words hastily and indistinctly; literally, to spout small; to speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.
They could neither of them speak their rage, and so they fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting apples.

SPUTTER

,
Verb.
T.
To throw out with haste and noise; to utter with indistinctness.
In the midst of caresses--to sputter out the basest accusations.

SPUTTER

,
Noun.
Moist matter thrown out in small particles.

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