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; cf. indagate

Example Sentences

Lay by these ambages; what seeks the Moor?

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

He had not inquired, he had not dared to inquire how the law stood, but he knew that the law's uncertainties were proverbial and its ambages beyond telling.

From Ovington's Bank by Weyman, Stanley J.

This Tibbald, then, having drawn the King aside, began cautiously and anfractuously and per ambages to unfold his plan.

From Merry-Garden and Other Stories by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

But 'art is a second nature, and imitateth that dextrously and compendiously, which nature performs by ambages and length of time.'

From The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakspere Unfolded by Bacon, Delia

These are but ambages to drive of time, And linger Justice from her purposed end.

From Sir John Oldcastle by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)