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.