demur

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈməː/

verb (demurs, demurring, demurred)

[no object]
  • raise objections or show reluctance: normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred
  • Law, dated put forward a demurrer.

noun

[mass noun, usually with negative]
  • the action of objecting to or hesitating over something: they accepted this ruling without demur

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'linger, delay'): from Old French demourer (verb), demeure (noun), based on Latin de- 'away, completely' + morari 'delay'