n.; pl. Elenchs [ L. elenchus, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to convict, confute, prove: cf. OF. elenche. ] (Logic) (a) That part of an argument on which its conclusiveness depends; that which convinces of refutes an antagonist; a refutation. (b) A specious but fallacious argument; a sophism. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to an elench. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By means of an elench. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To dispute. [ R. ] B. Jonson.

{ , a. Same as Elenctic. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L. ] Same as Elench.

{ } a. [ Gr.&unr_;. ] (Logic) Serving to refute; refutative; -- applied to indirect modes of proof, and opposed to deictic. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. AS. ellende foreign, strange, G. elend miserable. ] Sorrowful; wretched; full of trouble. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Loneliness; misery. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]