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sophism

The doctrine or mode of reasoning practiced by a sophist; hence, any fallacy designed to deceive. When a false argument puts on the appearance of a true one, then it is properly called a sophism, or fallacy. (I. Watts) Let us first rid ourselves of sophisms, those of depraved men, and those of heartless philosophers. (I. Taylor)

Origin: F. Sophisme, L. Sophisma, fr. Gr, fr. To make wise, to be become wise, to play the sophist, fr. Wise.