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

There should be ambages in such a matter.

From The Belton Estate by Trollope, Anthony

But afterwards; Talibus ex adyto dictis Cum�a Sibylla Horrendas canit ambages, antroque remugit, Obscuris vera involvens; ea fr�na furenti Concutit, & stimulos sub pectore vertit Apollo.

From The Preface to the Aeneis of Virgil (1718) by Trapp, Joseph

Non enim res gestae versibus comprehendendae sunt, quod longe melius historici faciunt, sed per ambages deorumque ministeria et fabulosum sententiarum tormentum praecipitandus est liber spiritus.’

From The Student's Companion to Latin Authors by Middleton, George

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

From The Spanish Tragedy by Kyd, Thomas

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