mental reservation

noun

1. an unexpressed doubt or qualification about a situation, person, etc.

mental reservation

noun

1. a tacit withholding of full assent or an unexpressed qualification made when one is taking an oath, making a statement, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of mental reservation¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

"Correctly; I'm with you," agreed Bristow, still with the mental reservation that he would deal with Withers as he saw fit.

From Project Gutenberg

I received this admonition with a decided mental reservation.

From Project Gutenberg

Such words conveyed no mental reservation—though his own heart told him he had over shot the truth.

From Project Gutenberg

Will you, without mental reservation, take a solemn oath to defend, preserve and enforce same?

From Project Gutenberg

When the end had come both officers and men surrendered as they had fought,—without mental reservation.

From Project Gutenberg