casuist

[ kazh-oo-ist ]

noun

1. an oversubtle or disingenuous reasoner, especially in questions of morality.
2. a person who studies and resolves moral problems of judgment or conduct arising in specific situations.

casuist

/ ˈkæzjʊɪst /

noun

1. a person, esp a theologian, who attempts to resolve moral dilemmas by the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases
2. a person who is oversubtle in his or her analysis of fine distinctions; sophist

Derived Forms

• ˌcasuˈistically, adverb
• ˌcasuˈistic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of casuist¹

1600–10; < Spanish casuista < Latin cāsu ( s ) case ¹ + -ista -ist

Word History and Origins

Origin of casuist¹

C17: from French casuiste, from Spanish casuista, from Latin cāsus case ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Tallmadge's desire not to be interrupted in the act might have enlightened him as to its defensibility; but he was no casuist.

From Project Gutenberg

She would have made a good man of business—an acute lawyer—a fine casuist—a great divine.

From Project Gutenberg

No interpretation509 can mistake it; no casuist can doubt upon it; it is a work well done.

From Project Gutenberg

The city casuist might have smiled at the major premise—and laughed at the ingenuous conclusion.

From Project Gutenberg

Many others are put so as to suggest what the casuist never said, that is a special case is made a general rule of morals.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bigot
• charlatan
• crook
• impostor
• phony
• trickster