-ˌrāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: probably from (assumed) New Latin expectoratus, past participle of (assumed) New Latin expectorare, from Latin, to cast out of the mind, from ex- ex- (I) + -pectorare (from pector-, pectus breast, soul, mind) — more at pectoral
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to bring about the ejection of (phlegm)
2.
a. obsolete : to cast out of the mind
b. archaic : to relieve the mind of
3.
a. : to eject (as phlegm) from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting
b. : spit
intransitive verb
1. : to discharge matter from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting
2. : spit