a. [f. L. ventriloqu-us (see next) + -OUS.]

1

  1.  Of persons: = VENTRILOQUISTIC a. 1.

2

1713.  Derham, Phys.-Theol., IV. vii. (1727), 149, note. In the same Tract, Chap. 6 is this Observation of Ventriloquous Persons.

3

1737.  Byrom, Rem. (1857), 116. There came the ventriloquous fellow, who imitated a friend’s voice out of his mouth.

4

1775.  in Ash, and in later Dicts.

5

  2.  Produced by or as by ventriloquy; ventriloquial.

6

1768.  G. White, Selborne, xvi. In breeding-time, snipes play over the moors, piping and humming…. Is not their hum ventriloquous, like that of the turkey?

7

1844.  Stephens, Bk. Farm, III. 738. The harsh ventriloquous cry of the corn-craik amongst the grass.

8

1880.  Cable, Grandissimes (1898), 200. The dismal ventriloquous note of the rain-crow.

9