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.
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.