— falterer , n. — falteringly , adv.
/fawl"teuhr/ , v.i.
1. to hesitate or waver in action, purpose, intent, etc.; give way: Her courage did not falter at the prospect of hardship.
2. to speak hesitatingly or brokenly.
3. to move unsteadily; stumble.
v.t.
4. to utter hesitatingly or brokenly: to falter an apology.
n.
5. the act of faltering; an unsteadiness of gait, voice, action, etc.
6. a faltering sound.
[ 1300-50; ME falteren, of obscure orig.; perh. akin to ON faltrast to bother with, be troubled with ]