Also 6 quandare, -arye, 6–7 -arie, 8–9 quondary. [Of unknown origin; in common use from c. 1580.
Possibly a corruption of some term of scholastic Latin. The suggestions that it is ad. F. qu’en dirai-je ‘what shall I say of it?’ that it represents ME. wandreth, or is an abbrev. of hypochondry, are (apart from other considerations) condemned by the fact that the original stressing is quanda·ry. Recent dicts. favor qua·ndary, given by Johnson (who calls it ‘a low word’) and Webster, but not accepted by Sheridan, Walker or Smart.]
A state of extreme perplexity or uncertainty; a dilemma causing (great) mental agitation or distress; † a ticklish plight. Freq. in phr. in a (great, sad, etc.) quandary.
1579. Lyly, Euphues (Arb.), 45. Euphues … departed, leaving this olde gentleman in a great quandarie.
1582. Stanyhurst, Æneis, IV. (Arb.), 94. The Queene in meane while with carks quandare deepe anguisht [etc.].
1611. Beaum. & Fl., Knt. Burn. Pestle, I. i. Much I fear, forsaking of my diet, Will bring me presently to that quandary, I shall bid all adieu.
1652. C. B. Stapylton, Herodian, xvi. 135. The Nobles, Gentry, Souldiers in quandaries … To Turret tops he fetches more Vagaries.
a. 1720. Sheffield (Dk. Buckhm.), Wks. (1729), 201. Apollo now driv’n to a cursed Quandary was wishing for Swift, or for fam’d Lady Mary.
1751. Smollett, Per. Pic. (1779), I. ii. 9. Thof he be sometimes thrown into perilous passions and quandaries.
1847. Disraeli, Tancred, II. iv. All his quandaries terminated in the same catastrophe; a compromise.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), I. 229. Now I was in a great quandary at having to answer this question.
