ˈruminating, ppl. a.
[f. ruminate v.]
1. Chewing the cud; ruminant.
| 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. 141 Some have foure stomacks, as horned and ruminating animals. 1688 Boyle Final Causes iv. 191 Oxen and sheep, and many other ruminating beasts. 1713 Derham Phys.-Theol. iv. xi. (1739) 638 The curious Contrivance and Fabrick of the several Ventricles of ruminating Creatures. 1774 Goldsm. Nat. Hist. (1776) III. 3 The bowels of a ruminating animal may be considered as an elaboratory. 1806 Phil. Trans. XCVI. 370 The following gradation of ruminating stomachs is established. 1870 Gillmore tr. Figuier's Reptiles & Birds ii. 42 Various ruminating quadrupeds, as Deer and Goats. |
2. Contemplative, meditative.
| a 1704 Locke Conduct of the Understanding xx, We are of the ruminating kind. 1780 Cowper Progr. Error 24 From thoughtless youth to ruminating age. 1842 S. Lover Handy Andy ii, He then took a ruminating walk. 1848 Dickens Dombey xlix, A ruminating tone of sympathy. 1865 Pall Mall G. 19 May 11 The peculiarity of Tocqueville's intellect was its ruminating character. |
Hence ˈruminatingly adv.
| 1872 Geo. Eliot Middlem. iv. 260 She did not answer at once, but after looking down ruminatingly she said [etc.]. 1886 Temple Bar Mag. LXXVI. 550 He gazed ruminatingly at the view. |