Ultimatums

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ultimatum \Ul`ti*ma"tum\ ([u^]l`t[i^]*m[=a]"t[u^]m), n.; pl. E.
     {Ultimatums} ([u^]l`t[i^]*m[=a]"t[u^]mz), L. {Ultimata}. [NL.
     See {Ultimate}.]
     1. A final proposition, concession, or condition; especially,
        the final propositions, conditions, or terms, offered by
        either of the parties in a diplomatic negotiation; the


        most favorable terms that a negotiator can offer, the
        rejection of which usually puts an end to the hesitation.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A final demand, the rejection of which may lead to a
        resort to force or other compelling action by the party
        presenting the ultimatum. In international diplomacy, an
        ultimatum may be used as by the demanding country as a
        signal to other countries that it gave the other country a
        seemingly reasonable opportunity to avoid a war; in this
        way, the demanding country may seek to avoid
        responsibility for starting a war.
        [PJC]
        [1913 Webster]