reluctance : Idioms & Phrases

Re*luc"tance, Re*luc"tan*cy noun (Also<

• Reluctance r-lktans
• Reluctancy

)

Etymology

See Reluctant.

Definitions

1. The state or quality of being reluctant; repugnance; aversion of mind; unwillingness; -- often followed by an infinitive, or by to and a noun, formerly sometimes by against. "Tempering the severity of his looks with a reluctance to the action." Dryden.

   He had some reluctance to obey the summons. Sir W. Scott.

   Bear witness, Heaven, with what reluctancy Her helpless innocence I doom to die. Dryden.

Webster 1913