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casuistry

 - 2 dictionary results

cas⋅u⋅ist⋅ry

  [kazh-oo-uh-stree]
Use casuistry in a Sentence
–noun, plural -ries.
1. specious, deceptive, or oversubtle reasoning, esp. in questions of morality; fallacious or dishonest application of general principles; sophistry.
2. the application of general ethical principles to particular cases of conscience or conduct.
Origin:
1715–25; casuist + -ry
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ca·su·ist·ry   (kāzh'ōō-ĭ-strē)   
n.   pl. ca·su·ist·ries

  1. Specious or excessively subtle reasoning intended to rationalize or mislead.

  2. The determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing cases that illustrate general ethical rules.


[From casuist.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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