Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Empirical
{
Em-pir′ic
,Em-pir′ic-al
, }Adj.
1.
Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.
In philosophical language, the term
empirical
means simply what belongs to or is the product of experience or observation. Sir W. Hamilton.
The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by
empirical
rules learnt in his apprenticeship. H. Spencer.
2.
Depending upon experience or observation alone, without due regard to science and theory; – said especially of medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and deep insight;
as,
. empiric
skill, remedies
Syn. – See
Transcendental
. Webster 1828 Edition
Empirical
EMPIR'ICAL
,Adj.
1.
Versed in experiments; as an empiric alchimist.2.
Known only by experience; derived from experiment; used and applied without science; as empiric skill; empiric remedies.I have avoided that empirical morality that cures one vice by means of another.