agnostic

& α. [Gr. ἄγνωστος (agnostos) = unknown; cf. Acts xvii. 23. The word was suggested by Prof. Huxley in 1869.] A. As subst. A thinker who disclaims any knowledge beyond that obtained by experience; and maintains that no one has any right to a ert any with regard to the absolute and unconditioned. "In theory he (Prof. Huxley] is a great... agnostic." -Spectator , Jan. 29, 1870. B. As adj.: Pertaining to agnostics or agnosticism. "The same agnostic principle which prevailed in our schools of philosophy." - Principal Tulloch in Weekly Scotsman , Nov. 18, 1876. ăg-nos-tic-al-lỹ, adv. [Eng. agnostic; -ally.] In an agnostic manner or tendency. ăg-nos-ti-çişm, s. [AGNOSTIC.] Mental Philosophy & Theol.: A school of thought which believes that beyond what man can know by his senses or feel by his higher affections, nothing can be known. Facts, or supposed facts, both of the lower and the higher life, are accepted, but all inferences deduced from these facts as to the existence of an unseen world, or of beings higher than man, are considered unsatisfactory, and are ignored.