What is "sputtered"

Sputter \Sput"ter\ (sp[u^]t"t[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sputtered (-t[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sputtering.] [From the root of spout or spit to eject from the mouth. Cf. Splutter.]

1. To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small, scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.

2. To utter words hastily and indistinctly; to speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.

   They could neither of them speak their rage, and so fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting apples.
   --Congreve.

3. To throw out anything, as little jets of steam, with a noise like that made by one sputtering.

   Like the green wood . . . sputtering in the flame.
   --Dryden.

vb. (en-past of: sputter)