Un*cer"tain , v. t. [1st pref. un- +
certain; or fr. uncertain, a.]
To make uncertain. [Obs.]
Sir W. Raleigh.
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.
Hear it pronounced