FUM'BLE, verb intransitive 1. To feel or grope about; to attempt awkwardly. 2. To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly; as, to fumble for an excuse. 3. To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over. I saw him fumble with the sheets, and play with flowers. FUM'BLE, verb transitive To manage awkwardly; to crowd or tumble together.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI