I.v. freq. n. [palpo], to move frequently and quickly, to tremble, throb, pant, palpitate.
I. Lit.: cor palpitat, * Cic. N. D. 2, 9, 24: “radix micat ultima linguae, Utque salire solet mutilatae cauda colubrae, Palpitat,” Ov. M. 6, 559: “cerebrum uni homini in infantiā palpitat,” Plin. 11, 37, 49, § 134: “in ovo gutta sanguinis salit palpitatque,” id. 10, 53, 74, § 148; 11, 37, 65, § 173.—Esp. of persons or animals in the agony of death, to struggle, be convulsed: “palpitat et positas aspergit sanguine mensas,” Ov. M. 5, 40: “semianimes palpitantesque,” Suet. Tib. 61: “jam palpitat arvis Phaedimus,” Stat. Th. 8, 439; 9, 756; Calp. Ecl. 2, 62.—In mal. part., Juv. 3, 134.—Of things: “hic arduus ignis Palpitat,” flickers, Stat. Th. 12, 70.—
II. Trop.: “animum palpitantem percussit,” Petr. 100.