Lisp (lĭsp), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Lisped (lĭspt); p. pr. & vb. n.Lisping.] [OE. lispen, lipsen, AS. wlisp stammering, lisping; akin to D. & OHG. lispen to lisp, G. lispeln, Sw. läspa, Dan. lespe.] 1. To pronounce the sibilant letter s imperfectly; to give s and z the sound of th; — a defect common among children.
2. To speak with imperfect articulation; to mispronounce, as a child learning to talk.
As yet a child, nor yet a fool to fame,
I lisped in numbers, for the numbers came. Pope.
3. To speak hesitatingly with a low voice, as if afraid.
Lest when my lisping, guilty tongue should halt. Drayton.