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. Shak.