ambition

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

In North Carolina this word is used instead of the word grudge, as, "I had an ambition against that man." I am credibly informed that it is even used in this manner by educated men.


TO AMBITION

(Fr. ambitionner.) Ambitiously to seek after.--Webster.

This is what I ambition for my own country.--Jefferson's Writings.

This word is not common. It is not in the English Dictionaries; yet examples may be found of its use by late English Writers.

On dress occasions, the ladies of the upper ranks despise the mantilla, ambitioning nothing so much as a fashionable French bonnet.--London Spectator, June 7, 1845.

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