cunctation

noun

cunc·​ta·​tion ˌkəŋ(k)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce cunctation (audio)
: delay
cunctative adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin cunctation-, cunctatio, from cunctari to hesitate; akin to Sanskrit śaṅkate he wavers, Old English hangian to hang

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cunctation was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near cunctation

Cite this Entry

“Cunctation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cunctation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!