cunctation

[ kuhngk-tey-shuhn ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. lateness; delay.

cunctation

/ kʌŋkˈteɪʃən; ˈkʌŋktətɪv /

noun

1. rare.
   delay

Derived Forms

• cuncˈtator, noun
• cunctative, adjective

Other Words From

• cunc·tatious cunc·ta·to·ry [kuhngk, -t, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], cunc·ta·tive [kuhngk, -t, uh, -tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cunctation¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin cunctātiōn- (stem of cunctātiō ) “delay,” equivalent to cunctāt(us) (past participle of cunctārī “to delay”) + -iōn- noun suffix; -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of cunctation¹

C16: from Latin cunctātiō a hesitation, from cunctārī to delay

Example Sentences

Strive not to run, like Hercules, a furlong in a breath: festination may prove precipitation; deliberating delay may be wise cunctation, and slowness no slothfulness.

From Project Gutenberg

For two days after Holstein's departure, Daun sat still, on his safe Northern shore; stirring nothing but his own cunctations and investigations, leaving the bombardment, or cannonade, to take its own course.

From Project Gutenberg

The cause of failure may be considered to have been, in good part, Daun and his cunctations.

From Project Gutenberg

But again, on the other or Pragmatic side, there were cunctations.

From Project Gutenberg

But Prince Eugene's orders are express; remonstrances, cunctations only strengthen the determination of the High Heads or Head: Forward with this beautiful scheme!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lag
• moratorium
• postponement
• problem
• setback
• stoppage
• suspension
• wait