[smoth.er] n [ME, alter. of smorther, fr. smoren to smother, fr. OE smorian to suffocate; akin to MD smoren to suffocate] (13c) 1 a: thick stifling smoke or smudge b: a state of being stifled or suppressed
2: a dense cloud (as of fog, spray, or dust)
3: a confused multitude of things: welter -- smoth.ery adj
[2]smother vb smoth.ered ; smoth.er.ing vi (ca. 1520): to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air ~ vt 1: to overcome or kill with smoke or fumes
2. a: to destroy the life of by depriving of air b: to overcome or discomfit through or as if through lack of air c: to suppress (a fire) by excluding oxygen 3 a: to cause to smolder b: to suppress expression or knowledge of "~ed his rage" c: to stop or prevent the growth or activity of "~ a child with too much care"; also: overwhelm d: to cover thickly: blanket "snow ~ed the trails" e: to overcome or vanquish quickly or decisively
4: to cook in a covered pan or pot with little liquid over low heat