Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Specious
Spe′cious
,Adj.
[L.
speciosus
good-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species
look, show, appearance; cf. F. spécoeux
. See Species
.] 1.
Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.
Some [serpents]
specious
and beautiful to the eye. Bp. Richardson.
The rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and
Religion satisfied.
Will deem in outward rites and
specious
formsReligion satisfied.
Milton.
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.Misled for a moment by the
specious
names of religion, liberty, and property. Macaulay.
In consequence of their greater command of
specious
expression. J. Morley.
Syn. – Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See
– Plausible
. Spe′xious-ly
(#)
, adv.
Spe′cious-ness
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Specious
SPE'CIOUS
,Adj.
1.
Showy; pleasing to the view. The rest, far greater part will deem in outward rites and specious form religion satisfied.2.
Apparently right; superficially fair, just or correct' plausible; appearing well at first view; as specious reasoning; a specious argument; a specious objection; specious deeds. Temptation is of greater danger, because it is covered with the specious names of good nature, good manners, nobleness of mind, &c.