singultus, ūs, m. [singuli, and hence, an uttering of single sounds].
I Lit., a sobbing , speech interrupted by sobs (class.); sing.: multas lacrimas et fletum cum singultu videre potuisti, Cic. Planc. 31, 76; Lucr. 6, 1160; Ov. M. 11, 420; id. Tr. 1, 3, 42; Tac. H. 3, 10 al.— Plur. , Cat. 64, 131; Ov. M. 6, 509; Hor. C. 3, 27, 74.—As a disease, hiccups , Sen. Ep. 47, 3; Plin. 20, 17, 73, § 189; 21, 18, 72, § 120; 23, 1, 27, § 54 al.—
II Transf., a rattling in the throat of dying persons, Verg. A. 9, 415; id. G. 3, 507; Sen. Cons. ad Marc. 11, 4.—Of the clucking of a hen, Col. 8, 5, 3; 8, 11, 15; Pall. 1, 28, 6.—Of the croaking of a raven, Plin. 18, 35, 87, § 362.—Of the gurgling of water, Plin. Ep. 4, 30, 6.