Ar"gu*ment (&?;), n. [F. argument, L.
argumentum, fr. arguere to argue.] 1.
Proof; evidence. [Obs.]
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument
of the existence of a Deity.
Ray.
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.
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.
3. A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up
of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names.
Locke.
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.
You and love are still my argument.
Shak.
The abstract or argument of the piece.
Jeffrey.
[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
Milton.
5. Matter for question; business in hand.
[Obs.]
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
Shak.
6. (Astron.) The quantity on which another
quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the
refraction.
7. (Math.) The independent variable upon
whose value that of a function depends. Brande & C.
Ar"gu*ment (ăr"g&usl;*ment), v.
i. [L. argumentari.] To make an argument; to
argue. [Obs.] Gower.
