belch

Definition

To expel (gas) from the stomach through the mouth; especially, to do so loudly.

Etymology

From Middle English belchen, from Old English bielċan, from Proto-Germanic *balkijaną, *belkaną, probably ultimately of imitative origin. Related to Dutch balken (“to bray”), Middle Low German belken (“to shout”), Low German bölken (“to shout, bark”), Old English bealċettan (“to utter, send forth”). See also English bolk, boak.

Example Sentences

• "'Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, They belch us."
• "1746, attributed to Jonathan Swift, "A Love Poem form a Physician to his Mistress," http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/14353/pg14353-images.html When I an amorous kiss design'd, I belch'd a hurricane of wind."
• "She eats too fast, belches behind a cupped hand, smiles."

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