deaf-mute

2 definitions found

deaf-mute - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Deaf-mute \Deaf"-mute`\, n.
     A person who is deaf and dumb; one who, through deprivation
     or defect of hearing, has either failed the acquire the power
     of speech, or has lost it. [See Illust. of Dactylology.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Deaf-mutes are still so called, even when, by
           artificial methods, they have been taught to speak
           imperfectly.
     [1913 Webster] deaf-muteness

deaf-mute - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  deaf-mute
      adj 1: lacking the sense of hearing and the ability to speak
             [syn: deaf-and-dumb, deaf-mute]
      n 1: a deaf person who is unable to speak [syn: mute, deaf- mute
           , deaf-and-dumb person]