I. R də̇ˈmər, dēˈ-, +V-mər.; - R -mə̄, + suffixal vowel -mər. also -mə̄r, +V in a following word -mər. or -mə̄ also -mə̄r verb
( demurred ; demurred ; demurring ; demurs )
Etymology: Middle English demeoren, demeren to linger, wait, from Old French demorer (3d person plural present indicative demeurent ), from Latin demorari to linger, retard, from de- + morari to linger, retard, from mora delay — more at memory
intransitive verb
1. law : to interpose a demurrer
2. : to object or have scruples : take exception — often used with to or at
it would seem hazardous to demur to a proposition which is so widely accepted — Samuel Alexander
3. archaic : to suspend proceedings or judgment in view of a doubt or difficulty : put off the determination or conclusion of an affair : delay , hesitate
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to cause delay to : put off
2. obsolete : to doubt or hesitate about
3. archaic : to object to
Synonyms:
scruple , balk , jib or gib , shy , boggle , stick , stickle , strain : demur indicates delaying through personal doubt, uncertainty, objection, or exception
we are bound to challenge many of our colleagues in the university who demur on academic grounds to the inclusion of theology — Walter Moberly
they had been seated about the middle room with demurring and unwillingness to take seats, for politeness — Pearl Buck
scruple implies reluctance to assent or proceed because of doubts about rightness, morality, propriety, or wisdom
he does not scruple to ask the most abominable things of you — George Meredith
Greece and in particular Athens was overrun by philosophers, who … did not scruple to question the foundations of social and moral obligation — G.L.Dickinson
balk indicates an obstinate stopping short, as though some sort of limit had been reached or check encountered
one of the Marauder mules balked at the bottom of every rugged Burma hill — Dave Richardson
minds can be pushed just so far and so fast, then they balk — Russell Lord
jib ( gib ) may suggest balking and drawing back or away
his soldiers, many of whom had served with Antony, jibbed at the attack on their old leader — John Buchan
shy implies starting or recoiling away in fright, like a frightened horse, or in wary suspicion or squeamish distaste
she shied away from him like a startled Thoroughbred
even the hardiest pioneer is likely to shy at the Valley of Death and put off going there to the very end — W.P.Webb
boggle may indicate shying away from in sudden alarm or with fussy scruple
Lord Cardigan boggled at the incredible order, then squared his shoulders and took the Brigade to destruction — Anthony West
when a native begins perjury he perjures himself thoroughly. He does not boggle over details — Rudyard Kipling
but I do boggle at putting my tongue in my cheek and teaching what I know to be nonsense — Paul Roberts
stick indicates demurring because of conscientious scruples
to stick at nothing in accomplishing his ends
stickle involves refusing to accept because of something felt to be offensive or contrary to principles
presumably that is his method — so the reader, eager to get good things where he can, will not stickle at it — K.D.Burke
strain in this sense indicates demurring at the unacceptable; it is often used in situations involving standards and tastes sharply varied by whimsical caprice
to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English demure, demere delay, abode, from Old French demore, from demorer
1. : difficulty in making up one's mind : irresolution , indecision , uncertainty
after some delay and demur , the door grudgingly turned on its hinges — Charles Dickens
2. : the act of objecting or taking exception : protest
to accept without demur
rather than be brought into court he will pay without demur — G.B.Shaw
Synonyms: see scruple