From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Whistle \Whis"tle\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Whistled}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Whistling}.] [AS. hwistlian; akin to Sw. hvissla, Dan.
hvisle, Icel. hv[imac]sla to whisper, and E. whisper.
[root]43. See {Whisper}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To make a kind of musical sound, or series of sounds, by
forcing the breath through a small orifice formed by
contracting the lips; also, to emit a similar sound, or
series of notes, from the mouth or beak, as birds.
[1913 Webster]
The weary plowman leaves the task of day,
And, trudging homeward, whistles on the way. --Gay.
[1913 Webster]
2. To make a shrill sound with a wind or steam instrument,
somewhat like that made with the lips; to blow a sharp,
shrill tone.
[1913 Webster]
3. To sound shrill, or like a pipe; to make a sharp, shrill
sound; as, a bullet whistles through the air.
[1913 Webster]
The wild winds whistle, and the billows roar.
--Pope.
[1913 Webster]
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