— equivocality, equivocacy /i kwiv"euh keuh see/ , n. — equivocally , adv. — equivocalness , n.
/i kwiv"euh keuhl/ , adj.
1. allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, esp. with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous: an equivocal answer.
2. of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious: aliens of equivocal loyalty.
3. of uncertain significance; not determined: an equivocal attitude.
[ 1375-1425; late ME equivoc ( aequivocus ambiguous, equiv. to L aequi- EQUI- + voc-, s. of vox VOX + -us adj. suffix) + -AL 1 ]
Syn. 1. See ambiguous .