bubble

n. [ Cf. D. bobbel, Dan. boble, Sw. bubbla. Cf. Blob, n. ] 1. A thin film of liquid inflated with air or gas; as, a soap bubble; bubbles on the surface of a river. [ 1913 Webster ]

Beads of sweat have stood upon thy brow,
Like bubbles in a late disturbed stream. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A small quantity of air or gas within a liquid body; as, bubbles rising in champagne or aërated waters. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A globule of air, or globular vacuum, in a transparent solid; as, bubbles in window glass, or in a lens. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A small, hollow, floating bead or globe, formerly used for testing the strength of spirits. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The globule of air in the spirit tube of a level. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Anything that wants firmness or solidity; that which is more specious than real; a false show; a cheat or fraud; a delusive scheme; an empty project; a dishonest speculation; as, the South Sea bubble. [ 1913 Webster ]

Then a soldier . . .
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. A person deceived by an empty project; a gull. [ Obs. ] “Ganny's a cheat, and I'm a bubble.” Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]