whisperingn.

Brit.

/ˈwɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/, U.S.

/ˈ(h)wɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/

Etymology: formed as whisper v. + -ing suffix¹.

The action of whisper v.

1. The action of speaking in a whisper; speech without vibration of the vocal cords; whispered talk or conversation.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [noun] > whispering

whisperingc975

roundingOE

susurrationa1425

tutelingc1440

tittlinga1450

whistering1586

whisper1609

whisperation1710

whisht1773

the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > voiced or voiceless sound gen > [noun] > voiceless quality > whisper or wheeze

whispering1849

whisper1877

wheeze1890

c975 Rushw. Gosp. John vii. 12 Hwisprunge micle [L. murmur multum] wæs..in ðreote.

1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy i. 2785 Whan sche heryth wispring eny-where.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. HHHv^v Noyse or whisperyng with the lyppes.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) i. ii. 286 Is whispering nothing? Is leaning Cheeke to Cheeke?

1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 375 I was much less concern'd..at the Gazings and Whisperings of the Ladies and Gentlemen.

1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxviii. 296 After a little whispering with the other young ladies.

1849 A. M. Bell New Elucidation Princ. Speech & Elocution 136 This whispering of the Voice Articulations is a remarkable characteristic of Welsh speakers.

2. The action of saying or reporting something quietly or secretly; suggestion or insinuation (by whispered speech); faint mention or rumour; esp. (obsolete or archaic) malicious insinuation, secret slander or detraction, backbiting.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > hidden or indirect meaning > [noun] > communicating indirectly

whisperingc1384

mustering1440

insinuation1532

implication1581

whistering1586

insinuating1644

implial1846

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > slander or calumny > [noun] > secret slander or calumny

backbitingc1175

whisperingc1384

backbite1602

blastinga1628

c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame iii. 868 That place..filde ful of tydynges Other lovde or of wisprynges.

c1450 Mirk's Festial 279 Now hit ys made an hous..of whisperyng and rownyng.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) 2 Cor. xii. 20 I feare lest there be founde amonge you..whisperynges, swellynges and debate.

1547 W. Thomas Wks. (1774) i. 115 He had herd a whysperyng amonge the souldieres how the sayde Earle..had gotten promes of ayde.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Richard III f. liij Sekynge after his compaygnie and yet not once herynge any noyse or whysperynge of theim.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. vii. sig. Mm2 Bold onely in busie whisperings, and euen in that whisperingnes rather indeed confident in his cunning, that it should not be bewraied.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) v. i. 68 Foule whisp'rings are abroad.

1739 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. (ed. 2) IV. 104 By false reports, whispering, and calumny.

1842 P. F. Tytler Hist. Scotl. VIII. ii. 85 Rumours of war, and whisperings of the intrigues and conspiracies.

3. figurative.

a. Soft rustling sound resembling or suggesting whispered speech.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [noun] > faint or weak sound > whispering sound

whisping1379

whispering1610

whisper1638

susurration1640

susurring1826

susurrus1826

susurrence1909

whiffle1972

1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 564 The river..making a..gentle whispering.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. ii. 28 The garden..was silent, but for the whispering of the leaves,..and the plashing of the fountains.

1849 T. Woolner Night in My Beautiful Lady viii The..hushed whispering of the vines.

1904 W. H. Fitchett Commander of ‘Hirondelle’ xx. 230 Her voice fell into the key of the mystical whispering of the sea.

b. Mental suggestion or intimation figured as whispered speech.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > suggestion, proposal > [noun]

suggestion1382

proposition1641

whisperinga1682

suggestment1827

suggesting power1828

a1682 Sir T. Browne Let. to Friend (1690) 3 Some secret Sense or Intimation thereof by Dreams, thoughtful Whisperings, [etc.].

1811 P. B. Shelley St. Irvyne ii. 18 Conscience in low, noiseless whispering spoke.

1848 E. C. Gaskell Mary Barton I. xv. 274 The whisperings of her womanly nature..caused her to shrink from any unmaidenly action.

Compounds

attributive:

whispering campaign n. a systematic circulation of rumours, esp. in order to denigrate someone or something (originally in U.S. Politics).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > slander or calumny > [noun] > spreading scandal

noising1422

scandal monging1801

scandal-mongery1838

scandal-mongering1865

whispering campaign1920

1920 Nation (N.Y.) 10 Nov. 517/1 The scandalous underhandedness of the whispering campaign of the Democrats..only prove[s] the spuriousness of all their protestations of belief in equal rights for black and white.

1949 ‘R. West’ Meaning of Treason i. vi. 118 A whispering campaign designed to weaken public confidence.

1962 D. Lessing Golden Notebk. i. 139 He was desperately depressed—a whispering campaign around the party and near-party circles, that he was and had been ‘A capitalist spy’.

1978 D. Bloodworth Crosstalk viii. 69 The Chinese have been mounting a whispering campaign against the Soviet Union, quite distinct from their overt anti-Soviet propaganda.

whispering-closet n. satirically for a private consulting-room.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > types of room generally > [noun] > private or inner room > for consultations

whispering-room1623

whispering-closet1808

1808 J. Bentham Sc. Reform 80 The Judge's whispering-closet: from which all who have any interest in the discovery of the truth are carefully excluded.

whispering-gallery n. a gallery or dome, usually of circular or elliptical plan, in which a whisper or other faint sound at some point can be heard by reflexion at a distant point where the direct sound is inaudible.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > [noun] > echo chamber or instrument

whispering-placea1661

singing glass1669

sound-board1766

sounding-board1766

whispering-gallery1812

reverberation chamber1925

echo room1933

echo chamber1937

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > passage or corridor > [noun] > whispering-gallery

whispering-placea1661

whispering-gallery1812

1812 Examiner 28 Dec. 827/2 The whispering gallery in St. Paul's.

whispering-hole n. a hole through which one whispers.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > an opening or aperture > [noun] > for whispering through

whispering-hole1663

auricle1859

1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. i. 39 Speaks..As though a Trunk, or whisp'ring hole.

1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 457. ¶3 Peter Hush has a whispering Hole in most of the great Coffee-houses about Town.

whispering-office n. nickname for a confessional.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > artefacts > furniture > confessional > [noun]

shriving pew1487

shrifta1616

confessionary1669

whispering-office1704

confessional1728

box1842

1704 J. Swift Tale of Tub iv. 95 The erecting of a Whispering-Office.

† whispering-place n. Obsolete = whispering-gallery n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > [noun] > echo chamber or instrument

whispering-placea1661

singing glass1669

sound-board1766

sounding-board1766

whispering-gallery1812

reverberation chamber1925

echo room1933

echo chamber1937

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > passage or corridor > [noun] > whispering-gallery

whispering-placea1661

whispering-gallery1812

a1661 W. Brereton Trav. (1844) 180 This whispering place..is a vault or gallery.

a1682 Sir T. Browne Christian Morals (1716) iii. 97 The voice of Prophecies is like that of Whispering-places: They who are near or at a little distance hear nothing, those at the farthest extremity will understand all.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1654 (1955) III. 118 The Whispering place..is indeede very rare, being thro a passage of 25 yards, in a many-angl<e>d Cloister.

1747 Philos. Trans. 1746 (Royal Soc.) 44 219 As for whispering Places, the best I ever saw was that at Gloucester: But in Italy..I saw, in an Inn, a Room with a square Vault, where whispering, you could easily hear it at the opposite Corner.

† whispering-room n. Obsolete a room for private interviews or consultations.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > types of room generally > [noun] > private or inner room > for consultations

whispering-room1623

whispering-closet1808

1623 J. Webster Dutchesse of Malfy i. ii. sig. C2 A Vizor, and a Masque are whispering roomes That were neu'r built for goodnesse.

1623 J. Webster Dutchesse of Malfy iii. ii. sig. G3 His breast was fill'd with all perfection, And yet it seem'd a priuate whispring roome It made so little noyse of 't.

† whispering-trumpet n. Obsolete

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > audibility > sound magnification or reproduction > [noun] > speaking trumpet or tube

trunk1546

speaking-trumpet1671

stentorophonic tube1686

whispering-trumpet1688

stentorian trumpet1690

trumpet1696

voice pipe1839

voice tube1839

whispering-tube1857

speaking-tube1889

megaphone1896

meg1937

loudhailer1941

bullhorn1955

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xvi. 75/2 In the Base of this square, runing into the next, is a Whispering Trumpett, a long streight hollow pipe.

† whispering-tube n. Obsolete = speaking-tube n. 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > audibility > sound magnification or reproduction > [noun] > speaking trumpet or tube

trunk1546

speaking-trumpet1671

stentorophonic tube1686

whispering-trumpet1688

stentorian trumpet1690

trumpet1696

voice pipe1839

voice tube1839

whispering-tube1857

speaking-tube1889

megaphone1896

meg1937

loudhailer1941

bullhorn1955

1857 Ld. Dufferin Lett. from High Latitudes vi. 65 The voices..became thin and low, as though they reached me through a whispering tube.

whispering Willie n. slang (see quots.).

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > naval weapons and equipment > [noun] > ship's guns collectively > types of naval gun

portpiece1527

fowler1548

port-base1600

perrier1643

carronade1779

Long Tom1812

Dahlgren1861

cow-gun1902

whispering Willie1918

society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > naval weapons and equipment > [noun] > ship's guns collectively > types of naval gun > shell from

whispering Willie1918

1918 H. W. McBride Emma Gees 135 The..‘Whispering Willies’ belong to the class of large caliber, long range naval gun shells which pass over the front line so high that only a sort of whistling sound is heard.

1937 E. Partridge Dict. Slang 952/2 Whispering Willie, a type of big naval gun used by the Germans: East African campaign of the G.W.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1924; most recently modified version published online December 2021).

whisperingadj.

Brit.

/ˈwɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/, U.S.

/ˈ(h)wɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/

Etymology: formed as whisper v. + -ing suffix².

a. That whispers; speaking in a whisper.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [adjective] > whispering

roundingeOE

tittling1565

whistering1586

whispering1600

under-breathing1768

stage-whispering1883

1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. iii. 123 With bated breath, and whispring humblenes.

1716 Lady M. W. Montagu Toilet 46 Her Face may boast the Peach's Bloom; But does her nearer whisp'ring Breath perfume?

1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 14 The hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade, For talking age and whispering lovers made!

1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer xv A dozen smiling and whispering girls.

b. Uttered in, or of the nature of, a whisper.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [adjective] > whispering > whispered

whispered1567

breathed1579

whispering1599

whisper1626

underbreath1853

stage-whispered1941

1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. v. 23 I..could tell A whispering tale in a faire Ladies eare.

1649 J. Taylor Wandering 19 I spake to him..in a low whispering voice.

1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 177 He held with them a long and whispering kind of conversation.

1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy xxxiv In a low, whispering voice, rendered..faltering by their emotions.

2. Reporting something secretly or confidentially; esp. secretly slanderous, talebearing, backbiting.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > information > rumour > [adjective] > tale-bearing

telltale1573

tattling1581

whispering1581

gossiping1618

clyping1722

rumouring1824

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > hidden or indirect meaning > [adjective] > communicating indirectly

whispering1581

whistering1586

insinuative1649

insinuatory1872

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > slander or calumny > [adjective] > secretly

backbiting1382

whispering1581

black babbling1624

1581 A. Munday (title) An aduertisement and defence for Trueth against her Backbiters, and specially against the whispring Fauourers..of Campions..treasons.

1605 B. Jonson Sejanus ii. i. 196 Whispring fame Knowledge, and proofe doth to the iealous giue.

1816 S. T. Coleridge Christabel ii. 32 Whispering tongues can poison truth.

3. Making a soft rustling sound like a whisper. Also said of the sound.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [adjective] > whispering sound

whisperinga1547

whistering1586

susurrant1791

whisperya1835

susurrent1857

susurrous1860

whisperous1884

a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Certain Bks. Aenæis (1557) ii. sig. Di^v Eche whispring wind hath power now to fray..my doutfull mind.

1575 A. Fleming tr. Virgil Bucolikes vii. 20 Vnder the whispering hollye.

1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 247 There Ilissus rouls His whispering stream.

1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 121 The watch-dog's voice that bayed the whispering wind.

1784 W. Cowper Poplar Field 2 The whispering sound of the cool colonnade.

1814 W. Wordsworth Excursion iv. 193 The whispering Air Sends inspiration from the shadowy heights.

1847 H. W. Longfellow Evangeline i. iv. 137 She heard the whispering rain fall.

1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xcviii. 150 Low morass and whispering reed.

1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer xxiii The sighing, whispering, sad-voiced water-oaks.

Derivatives

ˈwhisperingly adv. with a whispering voice or sound, in a whisper.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [adverb] > in a whispered manner

roundingly?1406

whisperingly1580

under (also below) one's breath1636

auricularly1667

susurringly1830

whisperously1858

underbreath1865

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [adverb] > whispering sound

whisperingly1580

1580 in Liturgies Reign Q. Eliz. (1847) 572 Their speaking..is not softly and whisperingly.

a1603 T. Cartwright Confut. Rhemists New Test. (1618) 247 A man is bound to discharge all his sinnes..whisperingly or secretly into the eare of a Priest.

1747 S. Richardson Clarissa I. xliv. 308 Thus she ran on,..but whisperingly, that my aunt might not hear her.

1871 ‘G. Eliot’ Middlemarch (1872) I. i. xii. 180 The pool..where the..trees leaned whisperingly.

1874 L. Carr Judith Gwynne I. vi. 174 As the last words fell whisperingly from her lips.

1915 R. Kipling New Army ii. 10 Squad after squad..gathered up their target-cards, and whisperingly compared them.

† ˈwhisperingness n. Obsolete whispering quality or character (in quot. in sense 2).

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > information > informing on or against > [noun] > whispering quality (of secret informing)

whisperingnessa1586

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > hidden or indirect meaning > [noun] > communicating indirectly > condition of

whisperingnessa1586

whisperhood1710

inexplicitness1869

implicativeness1932

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. vii. sig. Mm2 Bold onely in busie whisperings, and euen in that whisperingnes rather indeed confident in his cunning, that it should not be bewraied.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1924; most recently modified version published online December 2021).

单词	whispering
释义	whisperingn. Brit. /ˈwɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈ(h)wɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/ Etymology: formed as whisper v. + -ing suffix¹. The action of whisper v. 1. The action of speaking in a whisper; speech without vibration of the vocal cords; whispered talk or conversation. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [noun] > whispering whisperingc975 roundingOE susurrationa1425 tutelingc1440 tittlinga1450 whistering1586 whisper1609 whisperation1710 whisht1773 the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > voiced or voiceless sound gen > [noun] > voiceless quality > whisper or wheeze whispering1849 whisper1877 wheeze1890 c975 Rushw. Gosp. John vii. 12 Hwisprunge micle [L. murmur multum] wæs..in ðreote. 1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy i. 2785 Whan sche heryth wispring eny-where. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. HHHv^v Noyse or whisperyng with the lyppes. a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) i. ii. 286 Is whispering nothing? Is leaning Cheeke to Cheeke? View more context for this quotation 1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 375 I was much less concern'd..at the Gazings and Whisperings of the Ladies and Gentlemen. 1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxviii. 296 After a little whispering with the other young ladies. 1849 A. M. Bell New Elucidation Princ. Speech & Elocution 136 This whispering of the Voice Articulations is a remarkable characteristic of Welsh speakers. 2. The action of saying or reporting something quietly or secretly; suggestion or insinuation (by whispered speech); faint mention or rumour; esp. (obsolete or archaic) malicious insinuation, secret slander or detraction, backbiting. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > hidden or indirect meaning > [noun] > communicating indirectly whisperingc1384 mustering1440 insinuation1532 implication1581 whistering1586 insinuating1644 implial1846 the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > slander or calumny > [noun] > secret slander or calumny backbitingc1175 whisperingc1384 backbite1602 blastinga1628 c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame iii. 868 That place..filde ful of tydynges Other lovde or of wisprynges. c1450 Mirk's Festial 279 Now hit ys made an hous..of whisperyng and rownyng. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) 2 Cor. xii. 20 I feare lest there be founde amonge you..whisperynges, swellynges and debate. 1547 W. Thomas Wks. (1774) i. 115 He had herd a whysperyng amonge the souldieres how the sayde Earle..had gotten promes of ayde. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Richard III f. liij Sekynge after his compaygnie and yet not once herynge any noyse or whysperynge of theim. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. vii. sig. Mm2 Bold onely in busie whisperings, and euen in that whisperingnes rather indeed confident in his cunning, that it should not be bewraied. a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) v. i. 68 Foule whisp'rings are abroad. View more context for this quotation 1739 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. (ed. 2) IV. 104 By false reports, whispering, and calumny. 1842 P. F. Tytler Hist. Scotl. VIII. ii. 85 Rumours of war, and whisperings of the intrigues and conspiracies. 3. figurative. a. Soft rustling sound resembling or suggesting whispered speech. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [noun] > faint or weak sound > whispering sound whisping1379 whispering1610 whisper1638 susurration1640 susurring1826 susurrus1826 susurrence1909 whiffle1972 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 564 The river..making a..gentle whispering. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. ii. 28 The garden..was silent, but for the whispering of the leaves,..and the plashing of the fountains. 1849 T. Woolner Night in My Beautiful Lady viii The..hushed whispering of the vines. 1904 W. H. Fitchett Commander of ‘Hirondelle’ xx. 230 Her voice fell into the key of the mystical whispering of the sea. b. Mental suggestion or intimation figured as whispered speech. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > suggestion, proposal > [noun] suggestion1382 proposition1641 whisperinga1682 suggestment1827 suggesting power1828 a1682 Sir T. Browne Let. to Friend (1690) 3 Some secret Sense or Intimation thereof by Dreams, thoughtful Whisperings, [etc.]. 1811 P. B. Shelley St. Irvyne ii. 18 Conscience in low, noiseless whispering spoke. 1848 E. C. Gaskell Mary Barton I. xv. 274 The whisperings of her womanly nature..caused her to shrink from any unmaidenly action. Compounds attributive: whispering campaign n. a systematic circulation of rumours, esp. in order to denigrate someone or something (originally in U.S. Politics). ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > slander or calumny > [noun] > spreading scandal noising1422 scandal monging1801 scandal-mongery1838 scandal-mongering1865 whispering campaign1920 1920 Nation (N.Y.) 10 Nov. 517/1 The scandalous underhandedness of the whispering campaign of the Democrats..only prove[s] the spuriousness of all their protestations of belief in equal rights for black and white. 1949 ‘R. West’ Meaning of Treason i. vi. 118 A whispering campaign designed to weaken public confidence. 1962 D. Lessing Golden Notebk. i. 139 He was desperately depressed—a whispering campaign around the party and near-party circles, that he was and had been ‘A capitalist spy’. 1978 D. Bloodworth Crosstalk viii. 69 The Chinese have been mounting a whispering campaign against the Soviet Union, quite distinct from their overt anti-Soviet propaganda. whispering-closet n. satirically for a private consulting-room. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > types of room generally > [noun] > private or inner room > for consultations whispering-room1623 whispering-closet1808 1808 J. Bentham Sc. Reform 80 The Judge's whispering-closet: from which all who have any interest in the discovery of the truth are carefully excluded. whispering-gallery n. a gallery or dome, usually of circular or elliptical plan, in which a whisper or other faint sound at some point can be heard by reflexion at a distant point where the direct sound is inaudible. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > [noun] > echo chamber or instrument whispering-placea1661 singing glass1669 sound-board1766 sounding-board1766 whispering-gallery1812 reverberation chamber1925 echo room1933 echo chamber1937 society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > passage or corridor > [noun] > whispering-gallery whispering-placea1661 whispering-gallery1812 1812 Examiner 28 Dec. 827/2 The whispering gallery in St. Paul's. whispering-hole n. a hole through which one whispers. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > an opening or aperture > [noun] > for whispering through whispering-hole1663 auricle1859 1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. i. 39 Speaks..As though a Trunk, or whisp'ring hole. 1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 457. ¶3 Peter Hush has a whispering Hole in most of the great Coffee-houses about Town. whispering-office n. nickname for a confessional. ΘΚΠ society > faith > artefacts > furniture > confessional > [noun] shriving pew1487 shrifta1616 confessionary1669 whispering-office1704 confessional1728 box1842 1704 J. Swift Tale of Tub iv. 95 The erecting of a Whispering-Office. † whispering-place n. Obsolete = whispering-gallery n. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > [noun] > echo chamber or instrument whispering-placea1661 singing glass1669 sound-board1766 sounding-board1766 whispering-gallery1812 reverberation chamber1925 echo room1933 echo chamber1937 society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > passage or corridor > [noun] > whispering-gallery whispering-placea1661 whispering-gallery1812 a1661 W. Brereton Trav. (1844) 180 This whispering place..is a vault or gallery. a1682 Sir T. Browne Christian Morals (1716) iii. 97 The voice of Prophecies is like that of Whispering-places: They who are near or at a little distance hear nothing, those at the farthest extremity will understand all. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1654 (1955) III. 118 The Whispering place..is indeede very rare, being thro a passage of 25 yards, in a many-angl<e>d Cloister. 1747 Philos. Trans. 1746 (Royal Soc.) 44 219 As for whispering Places, the best I ever saw was that at Gloucester: But in Italy..I saw, in an Inn, a Room with a square Vault, where whispering, you could easily hear it at the opposite Corner. † whispering-room n. Obsolete a room for private interviews or consultations. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > types of room generally > [noun] > private or inner room > for consultations whispering-room1623 whispering-closet1808 1623 J. Webster Dutchesse of Malfy i. ii. sig. C2 A Vizor, and a Masque are whispering roomes That were neu'r built for goodnesse. 1623 J. Webster Dutchesse of Malfy iii. ii. sig. G3 His breast was fill'd with all perfection, And yet it seem'd a priuate whispring roome It made so little noyse of 't. † whispering-trumpet n. Obsolete ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > audibility > sound magnification or reproduction > [noun] > speaking trumpet or tube trunk1546 speaking-trumpet1671 stentorophonic tube1686 whispering-trumpet1688 stentorian trumpet1690 trumpet1696 voice pipe1839 voice tube1839 whispering-tube1857 speaking-tube1889 megaphone1896 meg1937 loudhailer1941 bullhorn1955 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xvi. 75/2 In the Base of this square, runing into the next, is a Whispering Trumpett, a long streight hollow pipe. † whispering-tube n. Obsolete = speaking-tube n. 1. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > audibility > sound magnification or reproduction > [noun] > speaking trumpet or tube trunk1546 speaking-trumpet1671 stentorophonic tube1686 whispering-trumpet1688 stentorian trumpet1690 trumpet1696 voice pipe1839 voice tube1839 whispering-tube1857 speaking-tube1889 megaphone1896 meg1937 loudhailer1941 bullhorn1955 1857 Ld. Dufferin Lett. from High Latitudes vi. 65 The voices..became thin and low, as though they reached me through a whispering tube. whispering Willie n. slang (see quots.). ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > naval weapons and equipment > [noun] > ship's guns collectively > types of naval gun portpiece1527 fowler1548 port-base1600 perrier1643 carronade1779 Long Tom1812 Dahlgren1861 cow-gun1902 whispering Willie1918 society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > naval weapons and equipment > [noun] > ship's guns collectively > types of naval gun > shell from whispering Willie1918 1918 H. W. McBride Emma Gees 135 The..‘Whispering Willies’ belong to the class of large caliber, long range naval gun shells which pass over the front line so high that only a sort of whistling sound is heard. 1937 E. Partridge Dict. Slang 952/2 Whispering Willie, a type of big naval gun used by the Germans: East African campaign of the G.W. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1924; most recently modified version published online December 2021). whisperingadj. Brit. /ˈwɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈ(h)wɪsp(ə)rɪŋ/ Etymology: formed as whisper v. + -ing suffix². 1. a. That whispers; speaking in a whisper. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [adjective] > whispering roundingeOE tittling1565 whistering1586 whispering1600 under-breathing1768 stage-whispering1883 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. iii. 123 With bated breath, and whispring humblenes. View more context for this quotation 1716 Lady M. W. Montagu Toilet 46 Her Face may boast the Peach's Bloom; But does her nearer whisp'ring Breath perfume? 1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 14 The hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade, For talking age and whispering lovers made! 1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer xv A dozen smiling and whispering girls. b. Uttered in, or of the nature of, a whisper. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [adjective] > whispering > whispered whispered1567 breathed1579 whispering1599 whisper1626 underbreath1853 stage-whispered1941 1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. v. 23 I..could tell A whispering tale in a faire Ladies eare. View more context for this quotation 1649 J. Taylor Wandering 19 I spake to him..in a low whispering voice. 1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 177 He held with them a long and whispering kind of conversation. 1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy xxxiv In a low, whispering voice, rendered..faltering by their emotions. 2. Reporting something secretly or confidentially; esp. secretly slanderous, talebearing, backbiting. ΘΚΠ society > communication > information > rumour > [adjective] > tale-bearing telltale1573 tattling1581 whispering1581 gossiping1618 clyping1722 rumouring1824 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > hidden or indirect meaning > [adjective] > communicating indirectly whispering1581 whistering1586 insinuative1649 insinuatory1872 the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > slander or calumny > [adjective] > secretly backbiting1382 whispering1581 black babbling1624 1581 A. Munday (title) An aduertisement and defence for Trueth against her Backbiters, and specially against the whispring Fauourers..of Campions..treasons. 1605 B. Jonson Sejanus ii. i. 196 Whispring fame Knowledge, and proofe doth to the iealous giue. View more context for this quotation 1816 S. T. Coleridge Christabel ii. 32 Whispering tongues can poison truth. 3. Making a soft rustling sound like a whisper. Also said of the sound. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [adjective] > whispering sound whisperinga1547 whistering1586 susurrant1791 whisperya1835 susurrent1857 susurrous1860 whisperous1884 a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Certain Bks. Aenæis (1557) ii. sig. Di^v Eche whispring wind hath power now to fray..my doutfull mind. 1575 A. Fleming tr. Virgil Bucolikes vii. 20 Vnder the whispering hollye. 1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 247 There Ilissus rouls His whispering stream. View more context for this quotation 1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 121 The watch-dog's voice that bayed the whispering wind. 1784 W. Cowper Poplar Field 2 The whispering sound of the cool colonnade. 1814 W. Wordsworth Excursion iv. 193 The whispering Air Sends inspiration from the shadowy heights. View more context for this quotation 1847 H. W. Longfellow Evangeline i. iv. 137 She heard the whispering rain fall. 1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xcviii. 150 Low morass and whispering reed. View more context for this quotation 1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer xxiii The sighing, whispering, sad-voiced water-oaks. Derivatives ˈwhisperingly adv. with a whispering voice or sound, in a whisper. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > [adverb] > in a whispered manner roundingly?1406 whisperingly1580 under (also below) one's breath1636 auricularly1667 susurringly1830 whisperously1858 underbreath1865 the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [adverb] > whispering sound whisperingly1580 1580 in Liturgies Reign Q. Eliz. (1847) 572 Their speaking..is not softly and whisperingly. a1603 T. Cartwright Confut. Rhemists New Test. (1618) 247 A man is bound to discharge all his sinnes..whisperingly or secretly into the eare of a Priest. 1747 S. Richardson Clarissa I. xliv. 308 Thus she ran on,..but whisperingly, that my aunt might not hear her. 1871 ‘G. Eliot’ Middlemarch (1872) I. i. xii. 180 The pool..where the..trees leaned whisperingly. 1874 L. Carr Judith Gwynne I. vi. 174 As the last words fell whisperingly from her lips. 1915 R. Kipling New Army ii. 10 Squad after squad..gathered up their target-cards, and whisperingly compared them. † ˈwhisperingness n. Obsolete whispering quality or character (in quot. in sense 2). ΘΚΠ society > communication > information > informing on or against > [noun] > whispering quality (of secret informing) whisperingnessa1586 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > hidden or indirect meaning > [noun] > communicating indirectly > condition of whisperingnessa1586 whisperhood1710 inexplicitness1869 implicativeness1932 a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. vii. sig. Mm2 Bold onely in busie whisperings, and euen in that whisperingnes rather indeed confident in his cunning, that it should not be bewraied. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1924; most recently modified version published online December 2021). < n.c975adj.a1547
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