Part 384

Fu"ma*rine (?), n. [L. fumus smoke, fume.] (Chem.) An alkaloid extracted from fumitory, as a white crystalline substance.

Fu"ma*role (?), n. [It. fumaruola, fr. fumo smoke, L. fumus: cf. F. fumerolle, fumarolle.] A hole or spot in a volcanic or other region, from which fumes issue.

Fu"ma*to*ry (?), n. See Fumitory. [Obs.]

Fum"ble (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fumbled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fumbling (?).] [Akin to D. fommelen to crumple, fumble, Sw. fumla to fusuble, famla to grope, Dan. famle to grope, fumble, Icel. falme, AS. folm palm of the hand. See Feel, and cf. Fanble, Palm.] 1. To feel or grope about; to make awkward attempts to do or find something.

Adams now began to fumble in his pockets.

Fielding.

2. To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly; as, to fumble for an excuse. Dryden.

My understanding flutters and my memory fumbles.

Chesterfield.

Alas! how he fumbles about the domains.

Wordsworth.

3. To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.

I saw him fumble with the sheets, and play with flowers.

Shak.

Fum"ble, v. t. To handle or manage awkwardly; to crowd or tumble together. Shak.

Fum"bler (?), n. One who fumbles.

Fum"bling*ly (?), adv. In the manner of one who fumbles.

Fume (fm), n. [L. fumus; akin to Skr. dhma smoke, dh to shake, fan a flame, cf. Gr. qy`ein to sacrifice, storm, rage, qy`mon, qy`mos, thyme, and perh. to E. dust: cf. OF. fum smoke, F. fumÈe. Cf. Dust, n., Femerell, Thyme.] 1. Exhalation; volatile matter (esp. noxious vapor or smoke) ascending in a dense body; smoke; vapor; reek; as, the fumes of tobacco.

The fumes of new shorn hay.

T. Warton.

The fumes of undigested wine.

Dryden.

2. Rage or excitement which deprives the mind of self-control; as, the fumes of passion. South.

3. Anything vaporlike, unsubstantial, or airy; idle conceit; vain imagination.

A show of fumes and fancies.

Bacon.

4. The incense of praise; inordinate flattery.

To smother him with fumes and eulogies.