RELUCT Re*luct" (r-lkt"), v. i. Etym: [L. reluctari, p. p. reluctatus, to struggle; pref. re- re- + luctari to struggle, fr. lucia a wresting.]
Defn: To strive or struggle against anything; to make resistance; to draw back; to feel or show repugnance or reluctance. Apt to reluct at the excesses of it [passion]. Walton.
RELUCTANCE; RELUCTANCY
Re*luc"tance, Re*luc"tan*cy, n. Etym: [See Reluctant.]
Defn: 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.
Syn. See Dislike.
RELUCTANT Re*luc"tant (-tant), a. Etym: [L. reluctans, -antis, p. pr. of reluctari. See Reluct.]
1. Striving against; opposed in desire; unwilling; disinclined; loth. Reluctant, but in vain. Milton. Reluctant now I touched the trembling string. Tickell.
2. Proceeding from an unwilling mind; granted with reluctance; as, reluctant obedience. Mitford.
Syn.
— Averse; unwilling; loth; disinclined; repugnant; backward; coy.
See Averse.
RELUCTANTLY
Re*luc"tant*ly, adv.