The Collaborative International Dictionary
Doubt \Doubt\, n. [OE. dute, doute, F. doute, fr. douter to doubt. See Doubt, v. i.]
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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.
Doubt is the beginning and the end of our efforts to know.
--Sir W. Hamilton.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. -
Uncertainty of condition.
Thy life shall hang in doubt before thee.
--Deut. xxviii. 66. -
Suspicion; fear; apprehension; dread. [Obs.]
I stand in doubt of you.
--Gal. iv. 20.Nor slack her threatful hand for danger's doubt.
--Spenser. -
Difficulty expressed or urged for solution; point unsettled; objection.
To every doubt your answer is the same.
--Blackmore.No doubt, undoubtedly; without doubt.
Out of doubt, beyond doubt. [Obs.]
--Spenser.Syn: Uncertainty; hesitation; suspense; indecision; irresolution; distrust; suspicion; scruple; perplexity; ambiguity; skepticism.