Word Direct Answers

What does "demur" mean?

Demur: To delay; to pause; to suspend proceedings or judgment in view of a doubt or difficulty; to hesitate; to put off the determination or conclusion of an affair. Upon this rub, the English embassadors thought fit to demur. Hayward.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To scruple or object; to take exception; as, I demur to that statement.
  2. 3.(Law) To interpose a demurrer. See Demurrer, 2.
  3. 4.To suspend judgment concerning; to doubt of or hesitate about. [Obs.] The latter I demur, for in their looks Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears. Milton.
  4. 5.To cause delay to; to put off. [Obs.] He demands a fee, And then demurs me with a vain delay. Quarles.
  5. 6.Stop; pause; hesitation as to proceeding; suspense of decision or action; scruple. All my demurs but double his attacks; At last he whispers, "Do; and we go snacks." Pope.

Sources