Fume (fūm), n. [L. fumus; akin to Skr. dhūma smoke, dhū to shake, fan a flame, cf. Gr. θύειν to sacrifice, storm, rage, θύμον, θύμοσ, thyme, and perh. to E. dust: cf. OF. fum smoke, F. fumée. 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.
4. The incense of praise; inordinate flattery.
To smother him with fumes and eulogies. Burton.
In a fume, in ill temper, esp. from impatience.