embarrass

t. [Fr. embarra er: em=in, and barre a bar; Sp. embarazar; Port. embar açer.] I. Ordinary Language: 1. To perplex, to confuse, to abash, to disconcert, to distre . "Basil, somewhat embarra ed , Broke the silence." Long fellow: Evangeline , ii. 3. 2. To entangle or confuse matters; to cause difficulties and perplexities in; to involve. 3. To hinder, to impede, to obstruct. II. Comm.: To encumber with debt or difficulties; to involve in pecuniary difficulties. Crabb thus discriminates between to embarra , to entangle, and to perplex: " Embarra respects the manners or circumstances; perplex the views and con luct; entangle is said of particular circumstances. Embarra ments depend altogether on ourselves; the want of prudence and presence of mind are the common causes; perplexities depend on extraneous circumstances as well as ourselves; extensive dealings with others are mostly attended with perplexities : entanglements arise mostly from the evil designs of others. That embarra es which interrupts the even course or progre of one's actions; that perplexes which interferes with one's decisions: that entangles which binds a person in his actions. Pecuniary difficulties embarra , or contending feelings produce embarra ment : contrary counsels or interests perplex : law-suits entangle. Steadine of mind prevents embarra ment in the outward character. Firmne of character is requisite in the midst of perplexities : caution must be employed to guard against entanglements." (Crabb: Eng. Synon.) ěm-băr-ra ed, pa. par. or a. [EMBARRASS, v.] A. As pa. par.: (See the verb.) B. As adjective : 1. Ord. Lang.: Perplexed, disconcerted, confused, abashed. 2. Comm.: Involved in difficulties. "So far from being in any way embarra ed , his bus i ne is in a perfectly sound condition."-London Daily Telegraph. ěm-bar-ra -ing, pr. par., a. & 8. [EMBARRASS, v.] A. As pr . par .: (See the verb.) B. As adj .: Causing embarra ment or awkwardne ; perplexing, disconcerting. "The dispute between the rebels and the government was complicated with another dispute still more embar ra ing."-Macaulay: Hist . Eng ., ch. xviii. C. As subst.: The same as EMBARRASSMENT (q. v.). em-bar-ra -ing-lý, adv. [Eng. embarra ing; -ly.) In an embarra ing, perplexing, or confusing manner or degree.