[f. next.] A feeble, broken cry, as of a child about to burst into tears; a fretful cry expressive of complaint or grief.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Whimper, a low, or small Cry.
a. 1734. North, Exam., III. vii. § 63 (1740), 550. After a few Whimpers and a Wipe, he said … That … he knew … he was in the Wrong.
1839. Carlyle, Ess., Sinking of Vengeur (1857), IV. 218. Some vague faint murmur or whimper of admission.
1874. Burnand, My Time, xxvii. 256. A whimper in her voice expressive of utter helplessness.
b. A similar cry of dogs, etc.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., II. xxiv. The loved caresses of the maid The dogs with crouch and whimper paid.
1852. R. S. Surtees, Sponge’s Sp. Tour, lxviii. 383. The scent improved a little, and … a hound or two indulged in a whimper.
1859. R. F. Burton, Centr. Africa, in Jrnl. Geog. Soc., XXIX. 83. The hyena’s whimper, and the fox’s whining bark.
1906. Sir F. Treves, Highways Dorset, xiii. 197. The voice of the preacher is apt to be interrupted by the whimper of circling seagulls.
c. transf. Of inanimate things.
1895. W. Watson, Hymn to Sea, 6. Braying of arrogant brass, whimper of querulous reeds.
1897. ‘O. Rhoscomyl,’ White Rose Arno, xxii. The clank of capstan and the whimper of sheaves.
