Ru"mor , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rumored (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Rumoring.]
To report by rumor; to tell.
'T was rumored
My father 'scaped from out the citadel.
Dryden.
Ru"mor (?), n. [F. rumeur, L. rumor; cf. rumificare, rumitare to rumor, Skr. ru to cry.]
[Written also rumour.]
1. A flying
or popular report; the common talk; hence, public fame; notoriety.
This rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about.
Luke vii. 17. Great is the
rumor of this dreadful knight.
Shak.
2. A current story passing from one person to
another, without any known authority for its truth; -- in this sense
often personified.
Rumor next, and Chance,
And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled.
Milton.
3. A prolonged, indistinct noise.
[Obs.] Shak.
Hear it pronounced