absurd

[In Fr. absurde; Ital. a urdo; Lat. absurd us = giving a dull or disagreeable sound; surd us = deaf.] I. Lit. As much at variance with reason as if a deaf man were to sing at a concert, not knowing what notes the rest of the performers were giving forth. Applied (1) to persons: Without judgment, unreasonable. "Why bend to the proud, or applaud the absurd!" Byron, (2.) To things: Contrary to reason, inconsistent with reason. "Tis grave Philosophy's absurdest dream, That Heaven's intentions are not what they seem." Cowper: Hope. SURD.] "When large bodies of men arose with conscientious objections to oaths the principle underwent a practical reductio ad absurdum ."-Bentham: Works. (Introd.)