n. 1. One who, or that which, blows. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Mech.) A device for producing a current of air; as: (a) A metal plate temporarily placed before the upper part of a grate or open fire. (b) A machine for producing an artificial blast or current of air by pressure, as for increasing the draft of a furnace, ventilating a building or shaft, cleansing gram, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A blowing out or excessive discharge of gas from a hole or fissure in a mine. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. The whale; -- so called by seamen, from the circumstance of its spouting up a column of water. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Zool.) A small fish of the Atlantic coast (Tetrodon turgidus); the puffer. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. A braggart, or loud talker. [ Slang ] Bartlett. [ 1913 Webster ] |