CHATTER

I. verb Etymology: Middle English ~en, of imitative origin Date: 13th century intransitive verb to utter rapid short sounds suggestive of language but inarticulate and indistinct , to talk idly, incessantly, or fast, 3. to click repeatedly or uncontrollably , to vibrate rapidly in cutting , to vibrate especially audibly as a consequence of repeated sticking and slipping , transitive verb to utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly, ~er noun ~y adjective II. noun Date: 13th century the action or sound of ~ing, idle talk ; prattle