mumblingly.html - v. & n.
--v.

1 intr. & tr. speak or utter indistinctly.
2 tr. bite or chew with or as with toothless gums.

--n.

an indistinct utterance.

mumbler n. mumblingly adv. [ME momele, as MUM(2): cf. LG mummelen]

mumblingly.html - v. & n.
--v.

1 intr. & tr. speak or utter indistinctly.
2 tr. bite or chew with or as with toothless gums.

--n.

an indistinct utterance.

mumbler n. mumblingly adv. [ME momele, as MUM(2): cf. LG mummelen]

mumblingly.html - n.
(pl. -jumbos)
1 meaningless or ignorant ritual.
2 language or action intended to mystify or confuse.
3 an object of senseless veneration. [Mumbo Jumbo, a supposed African idol]

mumblingly.html - You must keep the secret; keep silent; don't tell anyone. - Often used as an interjection. * /We are planning a surprise party for John and mum is the word./ * /"Mum is the word!" the robber captain told his men./

mumblingly.html - n.
Brit. colloq. mother. [abbr. of MUMMY(1)]

mumblingly.html - adj.
colloq. silent (keep mum).

mum's the word say nothing. [ME: imit. of closed lips]