[Imitative. Cf. HUM int.]
1. Used to indicate hesitating or inarticulate utterance on the part of a speaker.
1672. Vanbrugh, Mistake, IV. i. Certain Immotions, which—um—cause, as one may suppose, a sort of convulsive—yes—Hurricanious—um—Like in short; a Woman, is like the Devil.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa, VI. 101. ‘Madam—I cannot excuse myself’—um, um, um, um, um, um—‘I must own to you, Madam, that [etc.].’
2. Used to indicate hesitation or doubt in replying to another.
1777. Sheridan, Trip Scarb., III. ii. Love[less]. (Kissing her.) In matters of love, a woman’s oath is no more to be minded than a man’s. Ber. Um!
1818. Scott, Rob Roy, x. ‘Was this selection of studies Rashleigh’s choice, or your own, Miss Vernon?’ I asked. ‘Um!’ said she, as if hesitating to answer my question.
1844. Alb. Smith, Adv. Mr. Ledbury (1856), I. xiii. 99. Um! I don’t see the … necessity.
1898. ‘Merriman,’ Roden’s Corner, ii. 19. ‘Is it … the Victoria Cross?’ she asked. ‘Um—yes,’ admitted White.
