whispering

views updated May 21 2018

whispering. Certain passages or galleries are referred to as ‘whispering’ on account of the facility and distinctness with which a whisper or low sound is transmitted through its extent. Examples are the passage above the choir and behind the east window of Gloucester Cathedral, and the circular internal gallery of the dome of St Paul's Cathedral, London.

whispering

views updated Jun 27 2018

whispering whispering campaign a systematic circulation of a rumour, typically in order to damage someone's reputation; the term originated in US politics of the early 20th century.
whispering gallery a typically circular or elliptical gallery situated under a dome, whose acoustic properties are such that a whisper may be heard round its entire circumference; there is a famous example in the dome of St Paul's Cathedral in London.