harrumph Hear it!

harrumph Definition

har·rumph (hə rumpf′: conventionalized pronun.)

intransitive verb

  1. to clear one's throat, esp. in a studied, pompous way
  2. to protest or complain in a pompous or self-righteous way

Etymology: echoic

noun

the act or sound of harrumphing

used to suggest such a sound

harrumph Usage Examples

Object

bit: Henry started to harrumph a bit, but General Corlett was equal to the situation, tactically.

Modifying Another Word

much: There was much harrumphing and clearing of throats, but no one said anything.