Păl'pi-tāte, v. i.

v. i. [imp. & p. p. PALPITATED; p. pr. & vb. n. PALPITATING.] [Lat. palpitare, palpitatum, verb intensive, from palpare; It. palpitare, Sp., Pg., & Pr. palpitar, Fr. palpiter. See PALP.] To beat rapidly and excitedly, or more strongly than is usual, as the heart; to throb; to bound with emotion or exertion; to pulsate violently; to flutter; to go pit-a-pat; — often applied to a preternatural or excited motion of the heart occasioned by disease, or some other disturbing cause.

The heart of nations has palpitated with the desire of becoming acquainted with all that has happened. Disraeli.