Whisper

v. i. [imp. & p. p. WHISPERED; p. pr. & vb. n. WHISPERING.] [A-S. hāvisprian, N. H. Ger. wispern, wispeln, M. H. Ger. wispeln, O. H. Ger. harispalôn, Icel. hviskra, hvisla, Sw. hviska, Dan. hviske. Cf. WHISTLE.]

1Sense 1. To speak softly, or under the breath; to utter words without sonant breath; to talk with the breath expelled in such a manner as to produce a rustling which makes audible the different articulations, but without that vibration in the larynx which gives sonorous or vocal sound.

2Sense 2. To make a low, sibilant sound or noise. “The hollow, whispering breeze.” Thomson.

It is as offensive to speak wit in a fool's company, as it would be ill manners to whisper in it. Pope.

3Sense 3. To speak with suspicion, or timorous caution.

4Sense 4. To plot secretly; to devise mischief;—followed by against.

All that hate me whisper together against me. Ps. xli. 7.

Whispering gallery, or dome. one of such a form that sounds produced in certain parts of it are concentrated by reflection from the walls to another part, so that whispers or feeble sounds are made audible at a greater distance than under ordinary circumstances.

v. t. 1. To utter in a low, and not vocal, tone; to say under the breath.

They might buzz and whisper it one to another. Bentley.

2Sense 2. To address in a whisper, or low voice.

When they talk of him, they shake their heads, And whisper one another in the ear. Shak.

3Sense 3. Hence, to prompt secretly or cautiously. [Obs.]

“He came to whisper Wolsey.” Shak.

n. 1. A low, soft, sibilant voice; or words uttered with such a voice.

The whisper can not give a tone. Bacon.

Soft whispers through the assembly went. Dryden.

2Sense 2. A cautious or timorous speech. South.