v. & n.
v. 1 intr. (of a sheep, goat, or calf) make a weak, wavering cry. 2 intr. & tr. (often foll. by out) speak or say feebly, foolishly, or plaintively.
n. 1 the sound made by a sheep, goat, etc. 2 a weak, plaintive, or foolish cry. bleater n. bleatingly adv.
[ OE bltan (imit.) ]