Fum·ble v. i. [imp. & p. p. Fumbled p. pr. & vb. n. Fumbling ]
1. To feel or grope about; to make awkward attempts to do or find something.
Adams now began to fumble in his pockets. --Fielding.
2. To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly; as, to fumble for an excuse.
My understanding flutters and my memory fumbles. --Chesterfield.
Alas! how he fumbles about the domains. --Wordsworth.
3. To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.
I saw him fumble with the sheets, and play with flowers. --Shak.