demur

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to raise an objection or express reluctance, often politely

   She demurred when the committee asked her to approve the proposal immediately.

2. 2
   noun

   an objection, hesitation, or expression of reluctance

   He accepted the revised terms without demur.

3. 3
   verb

   in law, to challenge a pleading by filing a demurrer

   The defendant demurred to the complaint rather than disputing its factual allegations.

Simplified etymology

Demur entered Middle English from Old French demourer, based on Latin de- ‘away’ or ‘completely’ and morari ‘to delay, stay’. Its earliest recorded English meaning was ‘to linger or delay’; the sense ‘to raise doubts or objections’ developed later.

From Middle English demuren, from Anglo-French demurer, 'to remain or delay,' and ultimately Latin demorari, 'to linger or detain,' formed from de- + morari, from mora, 'delay.' The sense shifted from delaying to hesitating and then to voicing an objection.

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