argument, argumente

[In Sw. † argument; Fr. argument; Sp. & Port, argumento; Ital. argomento, argumento; Lat, ar gumentum (1) proof, evidence; (2) a logical conclusion; (3) the subject of any written composition, theme, plot, . from arguo.] [ARGUE.] A. Ordinary Language: I. The act or proce of reasoning, argumentation, contention, controversy. "Which [obstinacyl though proof to argument, was easily shaken by caprice."- Macaulay: Hist. Eng., ch. xii. II. The state of being argued about: as, "whilst this was under argument;" meaning, whilst it was in the state of being argued about. III. That about which arguing, debate, or reasoning takes place, or the reasons adduced. 1. Gen. A theme or topic for argumentation; the subject of any reasoning, discourse, or writing. what in me is dark, Illumine; what is low, raise and support; That to the height of this great argument I may a ert Eternal Providence, And justify the ways of God to men." Milton: P. L., bk. 1. 2. Spec.: The contents of any book presented as an abstract. "The argument of the work, that is, its principal action, the economy and disposition of it, are the things which distinguish copies from originals."Dryden. IV. The reasons adduced in support of any a ertion. (This is now the most common use of the word.) xxiii. 4 4. and fill my mouth with arguments."-Job When it is not stated whether one reasons for or against a proposition, the word argu ment is followed by about , concerning , regard ing , or some such preposition. When it is stated, then an argument to establish a proposition is said to be for or in favour of it ( to it is now obsolete); and when to controvert it, then against is the term used. "If the idea be not agreed on betwixt the speaker and hearer, the argument is not about things, but names."-Locke. "The best moral argument to patience, in my pinion, is the advantage of patience itself."- Til lots on . "This, before that revelation had enlightened the world, was the very best argument for a future state." -Atterbury. B. Technically : 1. Logic: An expre ion in which, from something laid down as granted, something else is deduced, i.e., must be admitted to be true as nece arily resulting from the other. Reasoning expre ed in words is argument, and an argument stated at full length, and in its regular form, is a syllogism. Every argument consists of two parts-that which is proved, and that by which it is proved. Before the former is established it is called the question, and when established, the conclusion, or inference; and that which is employed to effect this result, the premises. (Whately: Logic, bk. ii., ch. iii., § 1.) (ARGU MENTATUM.] 2. Astron.: Any number or quantity by which another may be found. ( Hind .) Argument of latitude : The distance of a body from one of the nodes of its orbit upon which the latitude depends. (Hind.) [NODE.] "Argument of the Moon's Latitude is her Distance from the Dragon's Head or Tail, which are her two Nodes,"-Glo og. Nova.