Doubt \Doubt\, n. [OE. dute, doute, F. doute, fr. douter to doubt. See Doubt, v. i.]

1. A fluctuation of mind arising from defect of knowledge or evidence; uncertainty of judgment or mind; unsettled state of opinion concerning the reality of an event, or the truth of an assertion, etc.; hesitation.

Doubt is the beginning and the end of our efforts to know. --Sir W. Hamilton.

Doubt, in order to be operative in requiring an acquittal, is not the want of perfect certainty (which can never exist in any question of fact) but a defect of proof preventing a reasonable assurance of quilt. --Wharton.

2. Uncertainty of condition.

Thy life shall hang in doubt before thee. --Deut. xxviii. 66.

3. Suspicion; fear; apprehension; dread. [Obs.]

I stand in doubt of you. --Gal. iv. 20.

Nor slack her threatful hand for danger's doubt. --Spenser.

4. Difficulty expressed or urged for solution; point unsettled; objection.

To every doubt your answer is the same. --Blackmore.

No doubt, undoubtedly; without doubt.

Out of doubt, beyond doubt. [Obs.]

--Spenser.

Syn: Uncertainty; hesitation; suspense; indecision; irresolution; distrust; suspicion; scruple; perplexity; ambiguity; skepticism.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)