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shilly-shally definition

shilly-shally (s̸hil′ē s̸hal′ē)

adverb

Now Rare in a vacillating manner; irresolutely

Etymology: redupl. of shall I? meaning “shall I or shall I not?”

noun

Now Rare vacillation or irresolution, esp. over a trivial matter

intransitive verb shilly-shallied -·lied, shilly-shallying -·lying

to be irresolute; vacillate, esp. over trifles

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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