dubitation

plural dubitations · alternative dubytacion · alternative dubitacion · alternative dubitatioun

1. archaicuncountableusuallyThe process of doubting or the state of being in doubt; hesitation, uncertainty.

   The Chamæleon [...] eftir sum dubitatioun come to Striueling.

   1570, George Buchanan, Chamæleon, page 51

   2 more examples

   I … Alle that my progenitouris hath … seyn, ffeythfully beleve withowtyn alle dubytacion.

   circa 1450, Coventry Mystery Plays, page 67 (Shakespeare Society; published 1841–53)

   All my dubitation and distress were gone, for I had something to do, although what I could not yet tell.

   1867, George MacDonald, chapter 32, in Annals of a Quiet Neighbourhood

   Synonyms: doubtfulness

2. countableobsoleteusuallyA thing to be doubted; a matter that calls for doubt.

   The trewe inuocacion of God thorow Cryst, thei haue turned it into a dowtfull dubitacion.

   1545, George Joye, chapter 12, in The Exposicion of Daniel the Prophete

3. countableusuallyA pang or expression of doubt.

   Altercations, disputations and dubitations of, in and about Mystic Theologie.

   1683, John Pordage, edited by Edward Hooker, Theologica Mystica, or The Mystic Divinitie of the Æternal Invisibles, page 99

   2 more examples

   [T]he deep earnest soul of the man had fallen into all manner of black scruples, dubitations; he believed himself likely to die soon, and far worse than die.

   1841, Thomas Carlyle, chapter 4, in Heroes and Hero Worship

   Poor William Wylder had those special troubles which haunt nervous temperaments and speculative minds, when under the solemn influence of religion. [...] These terrors and dubitations are infections.

   1864, J[oseph] Sheridan Le Fanu, “An Evil Eye Looks on the Vicar”, in Wylder’s Hand. […], New York, N.Y.: Carleton, […], published 1865, →OCLC, pages 250–251