eristic

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

eristic
    adj 1: given to disputation for its own sake and often employing
           specious arguments [syn: {eristic}, {eristical}]
    n 1: a person who disputes; who is good at or enjoys controversy
         [syn: {disputant}, {controversialist}, {eristic}]
    2: the art of logical disputation (especially if specious)

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Eristic \E*ris"tic\, Eristical \E*ris"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ?, fr. ?
   to strive, wrangle, ? strife.]
   Controversial. [Archaic]
   [1913 Webster]

         A specimen of admirable special pleading in the court
         of eristic logic.                        --Coleridge.
   [1913 Webster]

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