from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Specious \Spe"cious\, a. [L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful,
specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F.
sp['e]coeux. See {Species}.]
1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or
look; showy.
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Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye.
--Bp.
Richardson.
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The rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms
Religion satisfied. --Milton.
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2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct,
but not so in reality; appearing well at first view;
plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.
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Misled for a moment by the specious names of
religion, liberty, and property. --Macaulay.
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In consequence of their greater command of specious
expression. --J. Morley.
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Syn: Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See
{Plausible}.
[1913 Webster] -- {Spe"xious*ly}, adv. --
{Spe"cious*ness}, n.
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