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Webster 1913 Edition

Argument

Ar′gu-ment

,
Noun.
[F.
argument
, L.
argumentum
, fr.
arguere
to argue.]
1.
Proof; evidence.
[Obs.]
There is.. no more palpable and convincing
argument
of the existence of a Deity.
Ray.
Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an
argument
of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
South.
2.
A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words;
as, an
argument about
,
concerning
, or
regarding
a proposition, for or
in favor of
it, or
against
it
.
3.
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The
argument
is about things, but names.
Locke.
4.
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
You and love are still my
argument
.
Shakespeare
The abstract or
argument
of the piece.
Jeffrey.
[Shields] with boastful
argument
portrayed.
Milton.
5.
Matter for question; business in hand.
[Obs.]
Sheathed their swords for lack of
argument
.
Shakespeare
6.
(Astron.)
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends;
as, the altitude is the
argument
of the refraction
.
7.
(Math.)
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.
Brande & C.

Ar′gu-ment

(ăr′gū̍-ment)
,
Verb.
I.
[L.
argumentari
.]
To make an argument; to argue.
[Obs.]
Gower.

Webster 1828 Edition

Argument

'ARGUMENT

,
Noun.
[L. argumentum.]
1.
A reason offered for or against a proposition, opinion, or measure; a reason offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; followed by for or against.
2.
In logic, an inference drawn from premises, which are indisputable, or at least of probable truth.
3.
The subject of a discourse or writing.
4.
An abstract or summary of a book, or the heads of the subjects.
5.
A debate or discussion; a series of reasoning; as, an argument was had before the court, in which argument, all the reasons were urged.
6.
In astronomy, an arch by which we seek another unknown arch, proportional to the first.

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