demur

Meanings

Verb

• To linger; to stay; to tarry
• To delay; to pause; to suspend proceedings or judgment in view of a doubt or difficulty; to hesitate; to put off the determination or conclusion of an affair.
• To scruple or object; to take exception; to oppose; to balk
• To interpose a demurrer.
• To suspend judgment concerning; to doubt of or hesitate about
• To cause delay to; to put off

Noun

• Stop; pause; hesitation as to proceeding; suspense of decision or action; scruple.

Origin

• From Middle English demuren, from Anglo-Norman demorer (French demeurer), from Vulgar Latin demoro, Latin demorari ("to tarry"), from de- + morari.
• See alternative etymology in the Anglo-Norman ancestor.