Sob, v. i. [imp. & p. p.Sobbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Sobbing.] [OE. sobben; akin to AS. seófian, siófian, to complain, bewail, seófung, siófung, sobbing, lamentation; cf. OHG. s�ftön, s�ft�n, to sigh, MHG. siuften, siufzen, G. seufzen, MHG. s�ft a sigh, properly, a drawing in of breath, from s�fen to drink, OHG. s�fan. Cf. Sup.] To sigh with a sudden heaving of the breast, or with a kind of convulsive motion; to sigh with tears, and with a convulsive drawing in of the breath.
Sobbing is the same thing, stronger. Bacon.
She sighed, she sobbed, and, furious with despair.
She rent her garments, and she tore her hair. Dryden.