ambages

American  

[am-bey-jeez] / æmˈbeɪ dʒiz /

noun

Archaic.

1. winding, roundabout paths or ways.

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Etymology

Origin of ambages

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin ambāgēs (plural) “circuits,” equivalent to amb(i)- ambi- + -āg- (combining form of agere “to move”) + -ēs plural ending; cf. indagate

Example Sentences

These are but ambages to drive of time, And linger Justice from her purposed end.

From Sir John Oldcastle by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)

Non enim res gestae versibus comprehendendae sunt, quod longe melius historici faciunt, sed per ambages deorumque ministeria et fabulosum sententiarum tormentum praecipitandus est liber spiritus.’

From The Student's Companion to Latin Authors by Middleton, George

There is a little affectation sometimes in Mr Fuseli's writing of Ciceronic ambages, that is really injurious to the good sense and just thoughts, which would without this display, come free, open, and with power.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 54, No. 338, December 1843 by Various

There should be ambages in such a matter.

From The Belton Estate by Trollope, Anthony

Contrary to Lucan, who, in the above rules, drawn from the nature of poetry, is severely condemned by Petronius, Camo�ns conducts his poem per ambages Deorumque ministeria.

From The Lusiad or The Discovery of India, an Epic Poem by Camões, Luís de