cunctation

[kuhngk-tey-shuhn]

noun

Archaic.

1. lateness; delay.

cunctation

/ kʌŋkˈteɪʃən, ˈkʌŋktətɪv /

noun

1. rare,  delay

Other Word Forms

• cunctatious adjective
• cunctatory adjective
• cunctative adjective
• cunctator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cunctation¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin cunctātiōn- (stem of cunctātiō ) “delay,” equivalent to cunctāt(us) (past participle of cunctārī “to delay”) + -iōn- noun suffix; -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of cunctation¹

C16: from Latin cunctātiō a hesitation, from cunctārī to delay

Example Sentences

Strive not to run, like Hercules, a furlong in a breath: festination may prove precipitation; deliberating delay may be wise cunctation, and slowness no slothfulness.

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For two days after Holstein's departure, Daun sat still, on his safe Northern shore; stirring nothing but his own cunctations and investigations, leaving the bombardment, or cannonade, to take its own course.

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The cause of failure may be considered to have been, in good part, Daun and his cunctations.

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Fleury's cunctations were disgusting to the ardent mind; and here now, still more insuperable, are the British Fleets; here—and a pest to him!—is your Admiral Haddock, blockading Cadiz, with his Seventy-fours!

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But Prince Eugene's orders are express; remonstrances, cunctations only strengthen the determination of the High Heads or Head: Forward with this beautiful scheme!

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Related Words

• lag 
• moratorium 
• postponement 
• problem 
• setback 
• stoppage 
• suspension 
• wait