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Webster 1913 Edition

Dilemma

Di-lem′ma

,
Noun.
[L.
dilemma
, Gr. [GREEK];
δι-
=
δίσ-
twice + [GREEK] to take. See
Lemma
.]
1.
(Logic)
An argument which presents an antagonist with two or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against him, whichever alternative he chooses.
☞ The following are instances of the dilemma. A young rhetorician applied to an old sophist to be taught the art of pleading, and bargained for a certain reward to be paid when he should gain a cause. The master sued for his reward, and the scholar endeavored to elude his claim by a dilemma. “If I gain my cause, I shall withhold your pay, because the judge’s award will be against you; if I lose it, I may withhold it, because I shall not yet have gained a cause.” “On the contrary,” says the master, “if you gain your cause, you must pay me, because you are to pay me when you gain a cause; if you lose it, you must pay me, because the judge will award it.”
Johnson.
2.
A state of things in which evils or obstacles present themselves on every side, and it is difficult to determine what course to pursue; a vexatious alternative or predicament; a difficult choice or position.
A strong
dilemma
in a desperate case!
To act with infamy, or quit the place.
Swift.
Horns of a dilemma
,
alternatives, each of which is equally difficult of encountering.

Webster 1828 Edition

Dilemma

DILEMMA

,
Noun.
[Gr., a syllogism which strikes on each side; an assumption; to take.]
1.
In logic, an argument equally conclusive by contrary suppositions. A young rhetorician said to an old sophist; Instruct me in pleading, and I will pay you, when I gain a cause. The master sued for the reward, and the scholar endeavored to elude the claim by a dilemma. If I gain my cause, I shall withhold your pay, because the award of the judge will be against you. It I lose it, I may withhold it, because I shall not yet have gained a cause. The master replied: If you gain your cause, you must pay me, because you are to pay me, when you gain a cause; if you lose it, you must pay me, because you are to pay me, when you gain a cause; if you lose it, you must pay me, because the judge will award it.
2.
A difficult or doubtful choice; a state of things in which evils or obstacles present themselves on every side, and it is difficult to determine what course to pursue.
A strong dilemma in a desperate case!
To act with infamy, or quit the place.

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