Un*cer"tain (?), a. [Pref. un- + certain. Cf. Incertain.] 1. Not certain; not having certain knowledge; not assured in mind; distrustful.
Chaucer.
Man, without the protection of a superior Being, . . . is uncertain of everything that he hopes for.
Tillotson.
2. Irresolute; inconsonant; variable; untrustworthy; as, an uncertain person; an uncertain breeze.
O woman! in our hours of ease,
Uncertain, coy, and hard to please!
Sir W. Scott.
3. Questionable; equivocal; indefinite; problematical. "The fashion of uncertain evils."
Milton.
From certain dangers to uncertain praise.
Dryden.
4. Not sure; liable to fall or err; fallible.
Soon bent his bow, uncertain in his aim.
Dryden.
Whistling slings dismissed the uncertain stone.
Gay.
Syn. -- See Precarious.
© Webster 1913.
Un*cer"tain, v. t. [1st pref. un- + certain; or fr. uncertain, a.] To make uncertain. [Obs.]
Sir W. Raleigh.
© Webster 1913. |