Ru"mi*nate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. [Ruminated] (?); p. pr. & vb. n. [Ruminating].] [L. ruminatus, p.p. of ruminari, ruminare, fr. rumen, -inis, throat, akin to ructare to belch, erugere to belch out, Gr. , AS. roccettan.]

1.

To chew the cud; to chew again what has been slightly chewed and swallowed.

"Cattle free to ruminate."

Wordsworth.

2.

Fig.: To think again and again; to muse; to meditate; to ponder; to reflect.

Cowper.

Apart from the hope of the gospel, who is there that ruminates on the felicity of heaven? I. Taylor.

© [Webster 1913].

Ru"mi*nate (?), v. t.

1.

To chew over again.

2.

Fig.: To meditate or ponder over; to muse on.

Mad with desire, she ruminates her sin. Dryden.

What I know Is ruminated, plotted, and set down. Shak.

© [Webster 1913].

Ru"mi*nate (?), Ru"mi*na`ted (?), a. [Botany|Bot.]

Having a hard albumen penetrated by irregular channels filled with softer matter, as the nutmeg and the seeds of the North American papaw.

© [Webster 1913].

Ruminate (definition)