Advertisement
casuist (n.)
c. 1600, "one who studies and resolves cases of conscience," from French casuiste (17c.) or Spanish casuista (the French word also might be from Spanish), Italian casista, all from Latin casus "case" (see case (n.1)) in its Medieval Latin sense "case of conscience." Often since 17c. in a sinister or contemptuous sense "over-subtle reasoner, sophist." Related: Casuistic; casuistical; casuistically.
updated on October 22, 2017
Advertisement
Advertisement
Dictionary entries near casuist
castration
castrato
casual
casualness
casualty
casuist
casuistry
casus belli
cat
CAT
cata-