Groan

v. i. [imp. & p. p. GROANED; p. pr. & vb. n. GROANING.] [O. Eng. grane, grain, A-S. grānian, to groan; Prov. Ger. grannen, W. grwn, a hum, murmur, groan; O. H. Ger. grun, grunni, from grūnan, to mumble. See GRIN, and cf. GRUNT.] 1. To give forth a low, moaning sound; especially, to breathe with a deep, murmuring sound; to utter a mournful voice, as in pain or sorrow; to sigh. For we, that are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burdened. 2 Cor. v. 4. He heard the groaning of the oak. W. Scott. 2. To strive after earnestly, as with groans. Nothing but holy, pure, and clear, Or that which groaneth to be so. Herbert.