[f. SPATTER v.]
1. The action of splashing or sprinkling, etc.
1604. T. M., Black Bk., in Middleton’s Wks. (Bullen), VIII. 40. The lamentable spattering of his pearl-colour silk stockings.
1611. Cotgr., Crachement, a spitting, spatling, spattering, spawling.
1788. G. Keate, Pelew Isl. (1789), 179, note. It is probable that the spattering of it on their naked bodies might create an unpleasant sensation.
1805. A. Wilson, Poems & Lit. Prose (1876), II. 150. A fleet of ducks … alarmed with sudden spattering soar.
1856. Hawthorne, Eng. Note-bks. (1879), I. 126. Little spatterings of rain.
† 2. A smattering. Obs.–1
a. 1662. Heylin, Laud (1668), 317. A small spattering in the Hebrew, made him subject unto some suspicion of Heretical Fancies.
3. A noise (esp. that made by bullets) suggestive of the fall or impact of heavy drops.
1866. Ann. Reg., 230. Suddenly … a spattering of musketry breaks out.
1870. Daily News, 29 Oct., 6/2. A steady spattering of independent fire, could be heard.
