Sput"ter (?), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Sputtered (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Sputtering.] [From the root of spout or spit to
eject from the mputh. Cf. Splutter.] 1.
To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small, scattered
portions, as in rapid speaking.
2. To utter words hastily and indistinctly; to
speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.
They could neither of them speak their rage, and so
fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting
apples.
Congreve.
3. To throw out anything, as little jets of
steam, with a noise like that made by one sputtering.
Like the green wood . . . sputtering in the
flame.
Dryden.Sput"ter, v. t. To spit out hastily
by quick, successive efforts, with a spluttering sound; to utter
hastily and confusedly, without control over the organs of
speech.
In the midst of caresses, and without the last pretend
incitement, to sputter out the basest accusations.
Swift.Sput"ter, n. Moist matter thrown
out in small detached particles; also, confused and hasty
speech.