amphibolous

[Eng. amphibol (y), -ous. In Lat. a mph i bolus; Gr. ἀμφίβολος (amphi bolos ).] [AMPHIBOLIA.] 1. Of actions: Doubtful, ambiguous. "Never was there such an amphibolous quarrel; both parties declaring the in selves for the king, king, and making use of his name in all their remonstrances to justify their actions."-Howell. 2. Of words: Susceptible of a double construction, though the meaning of each word, taken singly, is apparent. "An amphibolous sentence is one that is capable of two meanings, not from the double sense of any of the words, but from its admitting of a double construction."-Whately: Logic , 9th ed. (1848), bk. iii., § 10.