Fumble \Fum"ble\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Fumbled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Fumbling}.] [Akin to D. fommelen to crumple, fumble, Sw.
   fumla to fusuble, famla to grope, Dan. famle to grope,
   fumble, Icel. falme, AS. folm palm of the hand. See {Feel},
   and cf. {Fanble}, {Palm}.]
   1. To feel or grope about; to make awkward attempts to do or
      find something.
      
[1913 Webster]


            Adams now began to fumble in his pockets.
                                                  --Fielding.
      
[1913 Webster]


   2. To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly; as, to
      fumble for an excuse. --Dryden.
      
[1913 Webster]


            My understanding flutters and my memory fumbles.
                                                  --Chesterfield.
      
[1913 Webster]


            Alas! how he fumbles about the domains.
                                                  --Wordsworth.
      
[1913 Webster]


   3. To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.
      
[1913 Webster]


            I saw him fumble with the sheets, and play with
            flowers.                              --Shak.
      
[1913 Webster]