Ru`mi*na"tion (?), n. [L.
ruminatio: cf. F. rumination.] 1.
The act or process of ruminating, or chewing the cud; the habit
of chewing the cud.
Rumination is given to animals to enable them at
once to lay up a great store of food, and afterward to chew
it.
Arbuthnot.
2. The state of being disposed to ruminate or
ponder; deliberate meditation or reflection.
Retiring full of rumination sad.
Thomson.
3. (Physiol.) The regurgitation of food
from the stomach after it has been swallowed, -- occasionally observed
as a morbid phenomenon in man.