ˈhju:mə n. & v. (US humor) --n. 1 a
the condition of
being amusing or
comic (less
intellectual and more sympathetic than wit). b the
expression of humour in
literature,
speech, etc. 2 (in full
sense of humour) the
ability to
perceive or express humour or
take a
joke. 3 a mood or
state of
mind (bad humour). 4 an
inclination or
whim (in the humour
for fighting). 5 (in full
cardinal humour)
hist.
each of the
four chief fluids of the
body (blood,
phlegm,
choler, melancholy), thought to
determine a person's
physical and
mental qualities. --v.tr. 1
gratify or
indulge (a
person or
taste etc.). 2
adapt oneself to;
make concessions to. øout of humour displeased. øø-humoured adj. humourless adj. humourlessly adv. humourlessness n. [ME f. AF umour, humour, OF umor,
humor f. L humor
moisture (as HUMID)]