amphibolous

[ am-fib-uh-luhs ]

adjective

1. ambiguous or equivocal, especially when due to the uncertain grammatical construction of a word or phrase.

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphibolous¹

1635–45; < Latin amphibolus < Greek amphíbolos thrown on both sides, ambiguous, equivalent to amphi- amphi- + -bol- (verbid of bállein to throw) + -os -ous

Example Sentences

Never was there such an amphibolous quarrel Ð both parties declaring themselves for the king.

From Project Gutenberg

An amphibolous sentence is one that is capable of two meanings, not from the double sense of any of the words, but from its admitting of a double construction; e. g.,

From Project Gutenberg