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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Sophistic, adj. Also: sophistice, -ique. [F. sophistique (c1265 in Larousse), L. sophistic-, f. the Gk. Cf. e.m.E. sophistick (1591).]

1. Of a person: a. Inclined to use sophistry, given to specious reasoning. b. ? Wise, given to philosophy or speculation.a. 1549 Compl. 137/19.
I exort thé … that thou imput nocht the assurance of the pure comontis to proceid of trason bot rather that thou accuse my tua sophistic brethir quhilkis … culd haue releuit and restorit thé to thy fyrst staitb. 1549 Compl. 145/14.
I man reherse the stait of the pepil that var in the gude anciant dais … At that tyme thai lay al to gydthir in ane cauerne, as dois presently the sophistic Egiptiens

2. Of arguments, doctrines, etc.: Imbued with sophistry; specious, fallacious.1490 Irland Mir. II 82/29 (see Sophim n. a). 1490 Irland Mir. II 104/28.
His subtill and sophistic ressouns I haue assolȝeit in the first buk 1490 Irland Mir. II 104/33.
The ressouns and doctrine of Arestotill … ar sophistic … na foundis nocht thame in ressoune naturale bot in sophisticacioun 1490 Irland Mir. II 136/9.
Sophistice 1600 Colville Palinode 8.
The more his Maiesties title be oppugned with frivolous sophistique contradiction [etc.] 1581-1623 James VI Poems I 175/574.
Ue are ignorant … euen after hauing hadd Aquyred in bookes a knouledge that sophistique is & badd