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