ambages

American  

[am-bey-jeez] / æmˈbeɪ dʒiz /

noun

Archaic.

1. winding, roundabout paths or ways.

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Etymology

Origin of ambages

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin ambāgēs (plural) “circuits,” equivalent to amb(i)- ambi- + -āg- (combining form of agere “to move”) + -ēs plural ending; indagate

Example Sentences

The American Minister in such matters was accustomed to fewer ambages than were common in the circles among which Mr. Glascock had lived.

From He Knew He Was Right by Trollope, Anthony

Lay by these ambages; what seeks the Moor?

From A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume 14 of 15 by Dodsley, Robert

Tush, tush, my lord! let go these ambages,     And in plain terms acquaint her with your love.

From The Spanish Tragedy by Kyd, Thomas

Longa est injuria, longæ ambages; but the story rests on the evidence of independent witnesses.

From The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 4 by Coleridge, Ernest Hartley

Contrary to Lucan, who, in the above rules, drawn from the nature of poetry, is severely condemned by Petronius, Camo�ns conducts his poem per ambages Deorumque ministeria.

From The Lusiad or The Discovery of India, an Epic Poem by Camões, Luís de