1. Not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating in belief; also used, metaphorically, of the
body when its action is affected by such a state of mind; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety
of a measure.
Methinks I should know you, and know this man;
Yet I am doubtful.
Shak.
With doubtful feet and wavering resolution.
Milton.
2. Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear, or certain; questionable; not decided; not easy to be defined,
classed, or named; as, a doubtful case, hue, claim, title, species, and the like.
Beauty is but a vain and doubtful good.
Shak.
Is it a great cruelty to expel from our abode the enemy of our peace, or even the doubtful friend [i. e.,
one as to whose sincerity there may be doubts]?
Bancroft. 3. Characterized by ambiguity; dubious; as, a doubtful expression; a doubtful phrase.
4. Of uncertain issue or event.
We . . . have sustained one day in doubtful fight.
Milton.
The strife between the two principles had been long, fierce, and doubtful.
Macaulay. 5. Fearful; apprehensive; suspicious. [Obs.]
I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
And bosomed with her.
Shak. Syn. — Wavering; vacillating; hesitating; undetermined; distrustful; dubious; uncertain; equivocal; ambiguous; problematical; questionable.
Doubtfully
(Doubt"ful*ly) adv. In a doubtful manner.
Nor did the goddess doubtfully declare.
Dryden. Doubtfulness
(Doubt"ful*ness), n.
1. State of being doubtful.
2. Uncertainty of meaning; ambiguity; indefiniteness. " The doubtfulness of his expressions." Locke.
3. Uncertainty of event or issue. Bacon.
Doubting
(Doubt"ing), a. That is uncertain; that distrusts or hesitates; having doubts. — Doubt"ing*ly,
adv.
Doubtless
(Doubt"less), a. Free from fear or suspicion. [Obs.]
Pretty child, sleep doubtless and secure.
Shak. Doubtless
(Doubt"less), adv. Undoubtedly; without doubt.
Doubtlessly
(Doubt"less*ly), adv. Unquestionably. Beau. & Fl.
Doubtous
(Doubt"ous) a. [OF. dotos, douteus, F. douteux.] Doubtful. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Douc
(Douc) n. (Zoöl.) A monkey remarkable for its varied and brilliant colors. It is a native of Cochin
China.
