I. ˈtrem-bəl intransitive verb
( trem·bled ; trem·bling -b(ə-)liŋ)
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French trembler, from Medieval Latin tremulare, from Latin tremulus tremulous, from tremere to tremble; akin to Greek tremein to tremble
Date: 14th century
1. : to shake involuntarily (as with fear or cold) : shiver
2. : to move, sound, pass, or come to pass as if shaken or tremulous
the building trembled from the blast
3. : to be affected with great fear or anxiety
trembled for the safety of her child
• trem·bler -b(ə-)lər noun
II. noun
Date: 1609
1. : an act or instance of trembling ; especially : a fit or spell of involuntary shaking or quivering
2. plural but singular in construction : severe poisoning of livestock and especially cattle by a toxic alcohol present in a snakeroot ( Eupatorium rugosum ) and rayless goldenrod that is characterized especially by muscular tremors, weakness, and constipation