HUM (3)

Hum, n. 1. 1. A low monotonous noise, as of bees in flight, of a swiftly revolving top, of a wheel, or the like; a drone; a buzz.
The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums. Shak. 2. 2. Any inarticulate and buzzing sound; as: (a) The confused noise of a crowd or of machinery, etc., heard at a distance; as, the hum of industry.
But 'midst the crowd, the hum, the shock of men. Byron. (b) A buzz or murmur, as of approbation. Macaulay. 3. 3. An imposition or hoax.
4. 4. [[Cf. Hem, interj.]] An inarticulate nasal sound or murmur, like h'm, uttered by a speaker in pause from embarrassment, affectation, etc.
THese shrugs, these hums and ha's. Shak. 5. 5. [] A kind of strong drink formerly used. Beau. & Fl.
Venous hum. See under Venous.