D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Deaf-mute

· Deaf·-mute · IPA
01 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…
  1. 1.
    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.]
    Deaf-mutes are still so called, even when, by artificial methods, they have been taught to speak imperfectly.”