Falter

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɔːltÉ™(r)

Origin

Middle English falteren ("to stagger"), probably from a Scandinavian languages source

Etymology of falter in

(compare Old Norse faltrast, be encumbered) or from a Middle English frequentative of falden, folden ("to fold"). More at fold.

Full definition of falter

Noun

1. unsteadiness.

Verb

1. To waver or be unsteady.
• WisemanHe found his legs falter.
2. (ambitransitive) To stammer; to utter with hesitation, or in a weak and trembling manner.
• ByronAnd here he faltered forth his last farewell.
• MiltonWith faltering speech and visage incomposed.
3. To fail in distinctness or regularity of exercise; said of the mind or of thought.
• I. TaylorHere indeed the power of disinct conception of space and distance falters.
4. To stumble.
5. (figuratively) To lose faith or vigor; to doubt or abandon (a cause).
• Orwell Animal Farm|1And remember, comrades, your resolution must never falter.
6. To hesitate in purpose or action.
• ShakespeareEre her native king
  Shall falter under foul rebellion's arms.
7. To cleanse or sift, as barley.