ambiguously, adv.
(æmˈbɪgjuːəslɪ)
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
In an ambiguous manner: † a. Hesitatingly, doubtfully (obs.); b. With doubtful issue (obs.); c. Indistinctly, obscurely, questionably; d. In terms susceptible of more than one meaning.
| 1579 W. Fulke Heskin's Parl. 151 Hee vseth the name of bloud figuratiuely, and ambiguously. 1606 in Misc. Scot. I. 32 Valiantly and ambiguously was it foughten on both sides. 1652 Seas. Expost. Netherl. 5 Promises of Neutralitie drawn up so ambiguously, as if they had come from jugling Delphos. 1695 Ld. Preston Boeth. v. 222 This Prophet used to speak ambiguously. 1813 Scott Rokeby ii. xxiii, ‘Where's Bertram? Why that naked blade?’ Wilfred ambiguously replied, ‘Bertram is gone.’ 1823 Lamb Elia Ser. ii. xxiv. 433 One that you conceived worse than ambiguously disposed towards you. |