from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hesitate \Hes"i*tate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Hesitated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Hesitating}.] [L. haesitatus, p. p. of haesitare,
intens. fr. haerere to hesitate, stick fast; to hang or hold
fast. Cf. {Aghast}, {Gaze}, {Adhere}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in
suspense or uncertainty as to a determination; as, he
hesitated whether to accept the offer or not; men often
hesitate in forming a judgment. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
2. To stammer; to falter in speaking.
Syn: To doubt; waver; scruple; deliberate; demur; falter;
stammer.
[1913 Webster]