Elench

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Elench \E*lench"\ ([-e]*l[e^][ng]k"), n.; pl. {Elenchs}. [L.
     elenchus, Gr. ?, fr. ? 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]