Dictionary entry

Specious

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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 specious and beautiful to the eye. Bp. Richardson.

The rest, far greater part,

Will deem in outward rites and specious forms

Religion satisfied. Milton.

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. Macaulay.

In consequence of their greater command of specious expression. J. Morley.

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

— Spe″xious‐ly (#), adv. — Spe″cious‐ness, n.