adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In an ambiguous manner: † a. Hesitatingly, doubtfully (obs.); b. With doubtful issue (obs.); c. Indistinctly, obscurely, questionably; d. In terms susceptible of more than one meaning.

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1579.  W. Fulke, Heskins’ Parl., 151. Hee vseth the name of bloud figuratiuely, and ambiguously.

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1606.  in Misc. Scot., I. 32. Valiantly and ambiguously was it foughten on both sides.

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1652.  Season. Expost. Netherl., 5. Were not the promises of Neutralitie … drawn up so ambiguously, as if they had come from jugling Delphos, not the deeply engaged Hague?

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1695.  Ld. Preston, Boeth., V. 222. This Prophet used to speak ambiguously.

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1813.  Scott, Rokeby, II. xxiii. ‘Where’s Bertram? Why that naked blade?’ Wilfred ambiguously replied, ‘Bertram is gone.’

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1823.  Lamb, Elia, Ser. II. xxiv. 433. One that you conceived worse than ambiguously disposed towards you.

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