Demur

Pronunciation

• GenAm enPR: dÄ­mûrʹ, IPA: /dɪˈmɝ/
• RP enPR: dÄ­mûrʹ, IPA: /dɪˈmɜː/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)

Origin

From Anglo-Norman demorer, from Old French demorer (French demeurer), from Vulgar Latin demoro, Latin

demorari ("to tarry"), from de- + morari ("to delay").

“demur” Webster's dictionary

Full definition of demur

Verb

1. (intransitive, obsolete) To linger; to stay; to tarry
• NicolsYet durst not demur nor abide upon the camp.
2. (intransitive) 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.
• HaywardUpon this rub, the English embassadors thought fit to demur.
3. (intransitive) To scruple or object; to take exception; to oppose; to balkI demur to that statement.The personnel demurred at the management's new scheme.
4. (intransitive, legal) To interpose a demurrer.
5. (transitive, obsolete) To suspend judgment concerning; to doubt of or hesitate aboutThe latter I demur, for in their looks
   Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears. - John Milton
6. (transitive, obsolete) To cause delay to; to put off
• QuarlesHe demands a fee,
  And then demurs me with a vain delay.

Related terms

• demurrage
• demurrer

Noun

1. 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.'' - Alexander Pope
• 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 132:Most geologists today would accept such evidence without demur, but it was still ‘fringe’ science when du Toit was publishing.

Derived terms

• demureness