a. rare. [f. as prec. + -Y1.] Apt to quaver; somewhat quavering.

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1519.  Horman, Vulg., 240. A quauery or maris and vnstable foundacion, must be holpe with great pylys of alder rammed downe.

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1866.  Miss Braddon, Lady’s Mile, 35. Quavery old sextons.

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1890.  Hall Caine, Bondman, III. iv. He began to sing … in his hoarse and quavery voice.

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  So Quavery-mavery, in an uncertain or precarious condition. rare.

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1809.  Malkin, Gil Blas, X. ii. ¶ 3. Your father … is standing, as a body may say, quavery-mavery between life and death.

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a. 1825.  Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, Quavery-mavery, undecided; and hesitating how to decide.

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