n. [ F. argument, L. argumentum, fr. arguere to argue. ] 1. Proof; evidence. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity. Ray. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation. [ 1913 Webster ] The argument is about things, but names. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] You and love are still my argument. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] The abstract or argument of the piece. Jeffrey. [ 1913 Webster ] [ Shields ] with boastful argument portrayed. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Matter for question; business in hand. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Sheathed their swords for lack of argument. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Astron.) The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. (Math.) The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends. Brande & C. [ 1913 Webster ] |