bluster
verbEtymology From Middle English blusteren (“to wander about aimlessly”); however, apparently picking up the modern sense from Middle Low German blüstren (“to blow violently”; compare later Low German blustern, blistern). Related to blow, blast. Compare also Saterland Frisian bloasje (“to blow”), bruusje (“to bluster”).
1
To speak or protest loudly.
- When confronted by opposition his reaction was to bluster, which often cowed the meek.
2
To act or speak in an unduly threatening manner.
- Your ministerial directors blustered like tragic tyrants.1774 April 19, Edmund Burke, Speech of Edmund Burke, Esq. on American Taxation, April 19, 1774, 2nd edition, London: […] J[ames] Dodsley, […], published 1775, →OCLC:
- He bloweth and blustereth out […] his abominable blasphemy.1532, Thomas More, Confutation of Tyndale's Answer:
1 more example
- As if therewith he meant to bluster all princes into a perfect obedience to his commands.1655, Thomas Fuller, The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, (please specify |book=I to XI):
3
To blow in strong or sudden gusts (refers to winds).
- And ever-threatening storms / Of Chaos blustering round.1667, John Milton, “Book III”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
- Derived terms
- abluster, blusterer, blustering, blusterous, blustery