Rhet. [L., a. Gr. ἀπορία, n. of state f. ἄοπρ-ος: see APORETIC.]
1589. Puttenham, Eng. Poesie (Arb.), 234. Aporia, or the Doubtfull. [So] called … because oftentimes we will seeme to cast perils, and make doubt of things when by a plaine manner of speech wee might affirme or deny him.
1657. J. Smith, Myst. Rhet., 150. Aporia is a figure whereby the Speaker sheweth that he doubteth, either where to begin for the multitude of matters, or what to do or say in some strange or ambiguous thing.
1751. in Chambers; and in mod. Dicts. [E.g., Luke xvi. 3.]
