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Webster 1913 Edition


Fumble

Fum′ble

,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Fumbled
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Fumbling
.]
[Akin to D.
fommelen
to crumple, fumble, Sw.
fumla
to fusuble,
famla
to grope, Dan.
famle
to grope,
fumble
, Icel.
falme
, AS.
folm
palm of the hand. See
Feel
, and cf.
Fanble
,
Palm
.]
1.
To feel or grope about; to make awkward attempts to do or find something.
Adams now began to
fumble
in his pockets.
Fielding.
2.
To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly;
as, to
fumble
for an excuse
.
Dryden.
My understanding flutters and my memory
fumbles
.
Chesterfield.
Alas! how he
fumbles
about the domains.
Wordsworth.
3.
To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.
I saw him
fumble
with the sheets, and play with flowers.
Shakespeare

Fum′ble

,
Verb.
T.
To handle or manage awkwardly; to crowd or tumble together.
Shak.

Webster 1828 Edition


Fumble

FUM'BLE

, v.i.
1.
To feel or grope about; to attempt awkwardly.
2.
To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly; as, to fumble for an excuse.
3.
To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.
I saw him fumble with the sheets, and play with flowers.

FUM'BLE

,
Verb.
T.
To manage awkwardly; to crowd or tumble together.