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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.