Whis'per1, v. i.
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.]
Sense 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.
Sense 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.
Sense 3. To speak with suspicion, or timorous caution.
Sense 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.