chuffle

[ chuhf-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, chuf·fled, chuf·fling.

1. (of the larger species of cats) to make a low snuffling sound analogous to the purring of smaller cat species, often as a greeting.

noun

1. such a sound.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chuffle¹

Imitative; chuff ³, -le

Example Sentences

At Hog Rock, west of Milford, Connecticut, he broke up a pleasant diversion: "Once four young men upon ye rock Sate down at chuffle board to play When ye Deuill appearde in shape of a hogg And frightend ym so they scampered away And left Old Nick to finish ye play."

From Project Gutenberg

At Hog Rock, west of Milford, Connecticut, he broke up a pleasant diversion:      "Once four young men upon ye rock      Sate down at chuffle board to play      When ye Deuill appearde in shape of a hogg      And frightend ym so they scampered away      And left Old Nick to finish ye play."

From Project Gutenberg