Rumor, n.
Etymology: [F. rumeur, L. rumor; cf. rumificare, rumitare to rumor, Skr. ru to cry.]
[Written also rumour.]
1. A flying or popular report; the common talk; hence, public fame; notoriety. This rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about. Luke vii. 17. Great is the rumor of this dreadful knight. Shak.
2. A current story passing from one person to another, without any known authority for its truth; -- in this sense often personified. Rumor next, and Chance, And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled. Milton.
3. A prolonged; indistinct noise. [Obs.] Shak.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Rumor, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rumored; p. pr. & vb. n. Rumoring.]
To report by rumor; to tell. 'T was rumored My father 'scaped from out the citadel. Dryden.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for rumor; he lists it under report.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.