argument

v. i. [ L. argumentari. ] To make an argument; to argue. [ Obs. ] Gower. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. argument, L. argumentum, fr. arguere to argue. ] 1. Proof; evidence. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity. Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation. [ 1913 Webster ]

The argument is about things, but names. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

You and love are still my argument. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The abstract or argument of the piece. Jeffrey. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Shields ] with boastful argument portrayed. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Matter for question; business in hand. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Sheathed their swords for lack of argument. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Astron.) The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Math.) The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends. Brande & C. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. argumentabilis. ] Admitting of argument. [ R. ] Chalmers. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. argumentatio, from argumentari: cf. F. argumentation. ] 1. The act of forming reasons, making inductions, drawing conclusions, and applying them to the case in discussion; the operation of inferring propositions, not known or admitted as true, from facts or principles known, admitted, or proved to be true. [ 1913 Webster ]

Which manner of argumentation, how false and naught it is, . . . every man that hath with perceiveth. Tyndale. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Debate; discussion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Reasoning; discussion; controversy. See Reasoning. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Consisting of, or characterized by, argument; containing a process of reasoning; as, an argumentative discourse. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Adductive as proof; indicative; as, the adaptation of things to their uses is argumentative of infinite wisdom in the Creator. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Given to argument; characterized by argument; disputatious; as, an argumentative writer. [ 1913 Webster ]

--Ar`gu*men"ta*tive*ly, adv. -- Ar`gu*men"ta*tive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]