MUMBLING A SPARROW, phr. (old).—See quot.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. SPARROW. A cruel sport practised at wakes and fairs: a booby, hands tied behind, has the wing of a cock-sparrow put into his mouth; without any other assistance than the motion of his lips he is to get the sparrow’s head into his mouth; the bird defends itself surprisingly, pecking the mumbler till his lips are covered with blood and he is obliged to desist; to prevent the bird getting away he is fastened to the booby’s coat.—[Abridged.]
