a general sense, signifies a person that cannot speak, or has not the use of speech.

Law, a person that stands dumb or speechless when he ought to answer, or to plead. See Arraignment.

Grammar, a letter which yields no sound without the addition of a vowel. The simple consonants are distinguished into mutes and liquids, or semivowels. See the articles Consonant, Liquid, &c.

The mutes in the Greek alphabet are nine, three of which, viz. π, κ, τ, are termed tenues; three β, γ, δ, termed medice; and three θ, χ, ψ, termed aspiratae. See the article Aspirate, &c.

The mutes of the Latin alphabet are also nine, viz. B, C, D, G, I, K, P, Q, T.