From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Sputter \Sput"ter\, v. t.
To spit out hastily by quick, successive efforts, with a
spluttering sound; to utter hastily and confusedly, without
control over the organs of speech.
[1913 Webster]
In the midst of caresses, and without the least
pretended incitement, to sputter out the basest
accusations. --Swift.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Sputter \Sput"ter\, n.
Moist matter thrown out in small detached particles; also,
confused and hasty speech.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Sputter \Sput"ter\ (sp[u^]t"t[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
Sputtered (-t[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sputtering.] [From
the root of spout or spit to eject from the mouth. Cf.
Splutter.]
1. To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small,
scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.
[1913 Webster]
2. To utter words hastily and indistinctly; to speak so
rapidly as to emit saliva.
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They could neither of them speak their rage, and so
fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting
apples. --Congreve.
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3. To throw out anything, as little jets of steam, with a
noise like that made by one sputtering.
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Like the green wood . . . sputtering in the flame.
--Dryden.
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