Middle English Dictionary Entry
vacillant adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | vacillant adj. Also vacillaunt. |
| Etymology | L vacillans, -antis, ppl. of vacillāre; also cp. OF vacillant. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Hesitant, irresolute.
Associated quotations
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)88.43 (v.2:p.106) : Wele I wote our wittis arn vacillant and waueryng and half alienat in our self.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)144.102 (v.2:p.425) : Seynt Ambrose she louyd as an aungel of God, knowynge weel that by hym hyre sone was brough to that vacillaunt indeference, and fully trostynge that he shulde by hym be brouth .. to the perfyth credence.
- a1500(a1450) Ashmole SSecr.(Ashm 396)87/35 : Be ware of treson…yf þu se any part of thyn host out of array and vacillant.