Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WHIS'PER, v.i. [Sax. hwisprian; Dan. hvisker; Sw. hviska, to buzz, to whisper; G. flispern; allied to whistle, wheeze, and L. fistula. The word seems by its sound to be an onomatopy, as it expresses a sibilant sound or breathing.]

1. To speak with a low hissing or sibilant voice. It is ill manners to whisper in company. The hollow whisp'ring breeze. – Thomson.
2. To speak with suspicion or timorous caution.
3. To plot secretly; to devise mischief. All that hate me whisper together against me. Ps. xli.