What is "smoldering"

Smolder \Smol"der\, Smoulder \Smoul"der\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Smolderedor Smouldered; p. pr. & vb. n. Smoldering or Smouldering.] [OE. smolderen; cf. Prov. G. sm["o]len, smelen, D. smeulen. Cf. Smell.]

1. To burn and smoke without flame; to waste away by a slow and supressed combustion.

   The smoldering dust did round about him smoke.
   --Spenser.

2. To exist in a state of suppressed or smothered activity; to burn inwardly; as, a smoldering feud.

Smoldering \Smol"der*ing\, Smouldering \Smoul"der*ing\, a. Being in a state of suppressed activity; quiet but not dead.

Some evil chance Will make the smoldering scandal break and blaze.
--Tennyson.

alt. (present participle of smolder English) n. (alternative form of smouldering English) vb. (present participle of smolder English)

1. adj. burning slowly without flame; "smoldering embers" [syn: smouldering]

2. showing scarcely suppressed anger; "her tone was...conversational although...her eyes were smoldering"- James Hensel [syn: smouldering]