percontation

noun

per·​con·​ta·​tion
ˌpərˌkän‧ˈtāshən
plural -s
archaic
: an act or process of questioning : inquiry

Word History

Etymology

Latin percontation-, percontatio, from percontatus (past participle of percontari to inquire, literally, to sound with a punting pole, from per through, by means of, + contus pole, punting pole, from Greek kontos) + -ion-, -io -ion; akin to Greek kentein to prick

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near percontation

Cite this Entry

“Percontation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percontation. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!