Spe"cious (?), a. [L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. sp'ecoeux. See Species.]

1.

Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.

Some [serpents] 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.

 

© Webster 1913.