'In a fume' definitions:

Definition of 'In a fume'

From: GCIDE
  • Fume \Fume\ (f[=u]m), n. [L. fumus; akin to Skr. dh[=u]ma smoke, dh[=u] 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. fum['e]e. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The fumes of new shorn hay. --T. Warton. [1913 Webster]
  • The fumes of undigested wine. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Rage or excitement which deprives the mind of self-control; as, the fumes of passion. --South. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Anything vaporlike, unsubstantial, or airy; idle conceit; vain imagination. [1913 Webster]
  • A show of fumes and fancies. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The incense of praise; inordinate flattery. [1913 Webster]
  • To smother him with fumes and eulogies. --Burton. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. (Metal.) Solid material deposited by condensation of fumes; as, lead fume (a grayish powder chiefly lead sulphate). [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  • In a fume, in ill temper, esp. from impatience. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'In a fume'