- Doubt
- Doubt Doubt, n. [OE. dute, doute, F. doute, fr. douter to
doubt. See {Doubt}, v. i.]
1. A fluctuation of mind arising from defect of knowledge or
evidence; uncertainty of judgment or mind; unsettled state
of opinion concerning the reality of an event, or the
truth of an assertion, etc.; hesitation.
[1913 Webster]
Doubt is the beginning and the end of our efforts to know. --Sir W. Hamilton. [1913 Webster]
Doubt, in order to be operative in requiring an acquittal, is not the want of perfect certainty (which can never exist in any question of fact) but a defect of proof preventing a reasonable assurance of quilt. --Wharton. [1913 Webster]
2. Uncertainty of condition. [1913 Webster]
Thy life shall hang in doubt before thee. --Deut. xxviii. 66. [1913 Webster]
3. Suspicion; fear; apprehension; dread. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
I stand in doubt of you. --Gal. iv. 20. [1913 Webster]
Nor slack her threatful hand for danger's doubt. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
4. Difficulty expressed or urged for solution; point unsettled; objection. [1913 Webster]
To every doubt your answer is the same. --Blackmore. [1913 Webster]
{No doubt}, undoubtedly; without doubt.
{Out of doubt}, beyond doubt. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Syn: Uncertainty; hesitation; suspense; indecision; irresolution; distrust; suspicion; scruple; perplexity; ambiguity; skepticism. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
