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Ambiguity - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Ambiguity : (noun)
1: an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its
context
2: unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning [syn:
equivocalness] [ant: unambiguity, unambiguity]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Ambiguity : \Am`bi*gu"i*ty\, n.; pl. Ambiguities. [L.
ambiguitas, fr. ambiguus: cf. F. ambiguit['e].]
The quality or state of being ambiguous; doubtfulness or
uncertainty, particularly as to the signification of
language, arising from its admitting of more than one
meaning; an equivocal word or expression.
No shadow of ambiguity can rest upon the course to be
pursued. --I. Taylor.
The words are of single signification, without any
ambiguity. --South.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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AMBIGUITY, contracts, construction. When au expression has been used in an
instrument of writing which may be understood in more than one sense, it is
said there is an ambiguity,
2. There are two sorts of ambiguities of words, ambiguitas latens and
ambiguitas patens.
3. The first occurs when the deed or instrument is sufficiently certain
and free from ambiguity, but theAmbiguity : is produced by something
extrinsic, or some collateral matter out of the instrument; for example, if
a man devise property to his cousin A B, and he has two cousins of that
name, in such case parol evidence will be received to explain the ambiguity.
4. The second or patent ambiguity occurs when a clause in a deed, will,
or other instrument, is so defectively expressed, that a court of law, which
has to put a construction on the instrument, is unable to collect the
intention of the party. In such case, evidence of the declaration of the
party cannot be submitted to explain his intention, and the clause will be
void for its uncertainty. In Pennsylvania, this rule is somewhat qualified.
3 Binn. 587; 4 Binn. 482. Vide generally, Bac. Max. Reg. 23; 1 Phu. Ev. 410
to 420; 3 Stark. Ev. 1021 ; I Com. Dig. 575; Sudg. Vend. 113. The civil law
on this subject will be found in Dig. lib. 50, t. 17, 1. 67; lib. 45, t. 1,
1. 8; and lib. 22, t. 1, 1. 4.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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