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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Dilemma \Di*lem"ma\, n. [L. dilemma, Gr. ?; di- = di`s- twice
? 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.
[1913 Webster]

Note: 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.
[1913 Webster]

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.
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A strong dilemma in a desperate case!
To act with infamy, or quit the place. --Swift.
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{Horns of a dilemma}, alternatives, each of which is equally
difficult of encountering.
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