ambitionate

present singular third person ambitionates · participle present ambitionating · participle past ambitionated · past ambitionated

1. To desire and strive for as an ambition.

   Duclos and La Bruyere both recommend the use of praise, and even of flattery. Delille does not ; and Lord Chesterfield says, that men should only be praised when absent, and then " rather for the qualities they ambitionate, than for those they possess."

   1842, John Mitchell, The art of conversation, by Orlando Sabertash, page 160

   3 more examples

   In ancient times, when the state of this Church and its Clergie was more idle and superstitious, but more opulent and honourable, what Gentleman, what Nobleman, what Prince, yea what sovereign Kings did not ambitionate to plant some of their sons (as Henry the seventh intended his second son, Henry the eighth) into Gods vineyard, for the work, office and honour of a Church-man?

   1659, John Gauden, The Tears, Sighs, Complaints, and Prayers of the Church of England

   Well, sir, legs like yours are the gift of God, and not to be spoken slightingly of; but though they seem to care very little for these passes, had you known what I have, you would not ambitionate any thing in the shape of a hill to be climbed, of an uglier ascent than the Monte testaccio, or the Campidoglio at the carnivals.

   1829, Richard Hartley Kennedy, Visconti: An Historical Tragedy in Five Acts, page 3

   “I do not, Gran'am, ambitionate to be the richest woman in Yorkshire,” the girl said, softly. “Do not you?” the old lady exclaimed, and added, “Perhaps, too, you do not ambitionate to be the most admired young lady in Yorkshire, which I see your cousin Alce is become."

   1900, The Living Age - Volume 225, page 179