bumble

v. i. To make a hollow or humming noise, like that of a bumblebee; to buzz; to cry as a bittern. [ 1913 Webster ]

As a bittern bumbleth in the mire. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. to act ineptly or without clear understanding of what one is doing; to blunder; to stumble about; -- sometimes used with around. [ PJC ]

v. t. to bungle (a task). [ PJC ]

n. [ OE. bumblen to make a humming noise (dim. of bum, v. i.) + bee. Cf. Humblebee. ] (Zool.) A large bee of the genus Bombus, sometimes called humblebee; -- so named from its sound. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ There are many species. All gather honey, and store it in the empty cocoons after the young have come out. [ 1913 Webster ]