Argument

Argument Ar"gu*ment, n. [F. argument, L. argumentum, fr. arguere to argue.] 1. Proof; evidence. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity. --Ray. [1913 Webster]

Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion? --South. [1913 Webster]

2. A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it. [1913 Webster]

3. A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation. [1913 Webster]

The argument is about things, but names. --Locke. [1913 Webster]

4. The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem. [1913 Webster]

You and love are still my argument. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

The abstract or argument of the piece. --Jeffrey. [1913 Webster]

[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

5. Matter for question; business in hand. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Sheathed their swords for lack of argument. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

6. (Astron.) The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction. [1913 Webster]

7. (Math.) The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends. --Brande & C. [1913 Webster]