In the first place, however, I propose to say a few words more in description of the theological and philosophical doctrines which so greatly influenced the alchemists, and which, I believe, they borrowed for their attempted explanations of chemical and physical phenomena. This system of doctrine I have termed "mysticism"--a word which is unfortunately equivocal, and has been used to denote various systems of religious and philosophical thought, from the noblest to the most degraded. I have, therefore, further to define my usage of the term.英文原著 · 《Bygone Beliefs》
The remark is equivocal, but was doubtless intended as a compliment to the precocity of the young painter.英文原著 · 《Heroes of the Telegraph》
375); Jore penitent, 1738 (ib. 262), &c. &c.], a Bookseller Jore, an Opera Fiddler [poor Travenol, wrong dog pincered by the ear], and a Jeweller Jew, these are, of a surety, names which in no sort of business ought to appear by the side of yours. I write this Letter with the rough common-sense of a German, who speaks what he thinks, without employing equivocal terms, and loose assuagements which disfigure the truth: it is for you to profit by it.--F." [ OEuvres de Frederic, xxii.英文原著 · 《History of Friedrich II of Prussia V 16》
-- *1* named: Announced. *2* Original reading: -- "Till art comes, -- comes to pound and squeeze And clarify, -- refines to proof." *3* "Line" is perhaps meant to be used equivocally, -- their line of business or line of their verse.英文原著 · 《Introduction to Robert Browning》
It was rather difficult, therefore, to say whether the strange lady (Mme. Willemsens, as she styled herself) belonged to the upper middle or higher classes, or to an equivocal, unclassified feminine species. Her plain dress gave rise to the most contradictory suppositions, but her manners might be held to confirm those favorable to her. She had not lived at Saint-Cyr, moreover, for very long before her reserve excited the curiosity of idle people, who always, and especially in the country, watch anybody or anything that promises to bring some interest into their narrow lives.英文原著 · 《La Grenadiere》
Gregory immediately made me a handsome but equivocal apology. "I wasn't thinking of you at all!" she declared gayly; and it set me doubting if perhaps she hadn't, after all, comprehended my impertinence. "And, thank Heaven!" she continued, "John is one of us, in spite of his present stubborn course."英文原著 · 《Lady Baltimore》