Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HES'I-TATE, v.i. [s as z. L. hæsito; Fr. hesiter; from hæsi, pret. of L. hæreo, to hang.]

1. To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be doubtful as to fact, principle or determination; to be in suspense or uncertainty; as, he hesitated whether to accept the offer or not. We often hesitate what judgment to form. It is never transitive, unless by poetic license. Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike. Pope.
2. To stammer; to stop in speaking.