philosophism

[ fi-los-uh-fiz-uhm ]

noun

1. spurious or deceitful philosophy.
2. a false or contrived argument, especially one designed to deceive.

Other Words From

• anti·phi·loso·phism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of philosophism¹

First recorded in 1785–95; philosoph(y) + -ism

Example Sentences

Many Spaniards, some of illustrious birth and others of great learning, were the objects of secret informations, as suspected of impiety and philosophism.

From Project Gutenberg

The two archbishops, and the three bishops, already mentioned, who had voted for the requisition addressed to the Pope for the expulsion of the Jesuits, were also denounced, as suspected of professing the impious doctrines of philosophism, which, it was said, they had only adopted to please the court.

From Project Gutenberg

It was Dr. Lind, according to Hogg, who gave Shelley his first lessons in French philosophism.

From Project Gutenberg

Though Madame du Deffand was not, like the wealthier but more plebeian Madame Geoffrin, and later Madame Helvétius, a 'nursing mother of the philosophers,' in the sense of supplying their necessities, her salon in the Rue Saint Dominique was long one of the chief resorts of philosophism.

From Project Gutenberg

French 'philosophism' then became suddenly militant and practical.

From Project Gutenberg