int. Also 6 vmff. [Imitative: cf. HUMPH and UMH.] An inarticulate sound, expressive of hesitation, doubt, or dissatisfaction.
a. 1568. in Bannatyne MS. (Hunter. Club), 461/21. Vmff, quod the Helandman, and swere be yon kirk [etc.].
1782. Miss Burney, Cecilia, IV. vi. He only looked at her, and said umph? Ibid., VII. ix. I really believe the gentlemans deaf! he wont so much as say umph and hay, now.
1800. Mrs. Hervey, Mourtray Fam., II. 119. Umph! thought Emma, is he abusing the Turk now by way of a blind?
1822. Scott, Nigel, v. Umph! repeated Master George, what does umph mean? Ibid. (1826), Woodst., iii. CommandsumphI think the damsel might have tarried.
1894. A. Gordon, Northward Ho, 87. An occasional Oich! Oich! from John, and a sympathetic Umph! Umph! from Eppie.
Hence Umph v. intr., to ejaculate umph.
1894. Hall Caine, Manxman, I. x. 48. Cæsar umpht and grunted.
1900. Daily News, 30 June, 4/1. Umph, replied Mr. Rhodes, in his grim, gruff way, Umph! and he went away umphing.