[a. F. flatulence, f. flatulent: see FLATULENT and -ENCE.]
1. gen. The condition of being charged with gas.
a. 1816. Sheridan, Sch. Scand., III. iii. Wks. 1821, II. 77. Their conversation is become just like the Spa water they drink, which has all the pertness and flatulence of Champaigne, without the spirit or flavour.
2. esp. The state or condition of having the stomach or other portion of the alimentary canal charged with gas.
1858. Copland, Dict. Pract. Med., I. 1044. When flatulence precedes or attends organic lesions of the stomach, or obstructions of the liver or pancreas, the symptoms caused by, and associated with it are often severe.
b. The tendency in various kinds of food to produce this state.
3. fig. Inflated or puffed-up condition, windiness, vanity; pomposity, pretentiousness.
1711. trans. S. Werenfels’ A Discourse of Logomachys, 229. If they do but remember to distinguish between true Sublimity of Mind and Stile, and a vain flatulence of both.
1750. Johnson, Rambler, No. 75, 4 Dec., ¶ 10. Observations like these are commonly nothing better than covert insults, which serve to give vent to the flatulence of pride, but they are now and then imprudently uttered by honesty and benevolence, and inflict pain where kindness is intended.
