Dictionary entry

Reluctant

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Re‐luc″tant (–tant), a. [L. reluctans, -antis, p. pr. of reluctari. See Reluct.] 1. Striving against; opposed in desire; unwilling; disinclined; loth.

Reluctant, but in vain. Milton.

Reluctant now I touched the trembling string. Tickell.

2. Proceeding from an unwilling mind; granted with reluctance; as, reluctant obedience. Mitford.

Syn. — Averse; unwilling; loth; disinclined; repugnant; backward; coy. See Averse.