Part 499

Bancroft.

3. Characterized by ambiguity; dubious; as, a doubtful expression; a doubtful phrase.

4. Of uncertain issue or event.

We . . . have sustained one day in doubtful fight.

Milton.

The strife between the two principles had been long, fierce, and doubtful.

Macaulay.

5. Fearful; apprehensive; suspicious. [Obs.]

I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosomed with her.

Shak.

Syn. -- Wavering; vacillating; hesitating; undetermined; distrustful; dubious; uncertain; equivocal; ambiguous; problematical; questionable.

Doubt"ful*ly (?), adv. In a doubtful manner.

Nor did the goddess doubtfully declare.

Dryden.

Doubt"ful*ness, n. 1. State of being doubtful.

2. Uncertainty of meaning; ambiguity; indefiniteness. " The doubtfulness of his expressions." Locke.

3. Uncertainty of event or issue. Bacon.

Doubt"ing, a. That is uncertain; that distrusts or hesitates; having doubts. -- Doubt"ing*ly, adv.

Doubt"less, a. Free from fear or suspicion. [Obs.]

Pretty child, sleep doubtless and secure.

Shak.

Doubt"less, adv. Undoubtedly; without doubt.

Doubt"less*ly, adv. Unquestionably. Beau. & Fl.

Doubt"ous (?), a. [OF. dotos, douteus, F. douteux.] Doubtful. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Douc (?), n. (Zoöl.) A monkey (Semnopithecus nemæus), remarkable for its varied and brilliant colors. It is a native of Cochin China.

Douce (?), a. [F. doux, masc., douce, fem., sweet, fr. L. duleis sweet.] 1. Sweet; pleasant. [Obs.]

2. Sober; prudent; sedate; modest. [Scot.]

And this is a douce, honest man.