n. [ L. ruminatio: cf. F. rumination. ] 1. The act or process of ruminating, or chewing the cud; the habit of chewing the cud. [ 1913 Webster ] Rumination is given to animals to enable them at once to lay up a great store of food, and afterward to chew it. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The state of being disposed to ruminate or ponder; deliberate meditation or reflection. [ 1913 Webster ] Retiring full of rumination sad. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Physiol.) The regurgitation of food from the stomach after it has been swallowed, -- occasionally observed as a morbid phenomenon in man. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
