Spe"cious (?), a. [L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. spécoeux. See Species.] 1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.

Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye.

The rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms
Religion satisfied.

2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.

Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property.

In consequence of their greater command of specious expression.

Syn. -- Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See Plausible.

-- Spe"xious*ly (#), adv. -- Spe"cious*ness, n.

Spe"cious (?), a. [L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. spécoeux. See Species.] 1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.

Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye.

The rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms
Religion satisfied.

2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.

Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property.

In consequence of their greater command of specious expression.

Syn. -- Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See Plausible.

-- Spe"xious*ly (#), adv. -- Spe"cious*ness, n.

• Seemingly factual but actually misleading; deceptively attractive
        This idea that we must see through what we have started is specious, however good it may sound.