specious Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite plausible but false
    spurious.
    • a specious claim
    • spurious inferences
  2. adjective satellite based on pretense; deceptively pleasing
    gilded; meretricious.
    • the gilded and perfumed but inwardly rotten nobility
    • meretricious praise
    • a meretricious argument

WordNet

Spe"cious adjective
Etymology
L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. spécoeux. See Species.
Definitions
  1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.
    Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye. Bp. Richardson.
    The rest, far greater part, Will deem in outward rites and specious forms Religion satisfied. Milton.
  2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.
    Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property. Macaulay.
    In consequence of their greater command of specious expression. J. Morley.
    Syn. -- Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See Plausible. -- Spe"xious*ly adv. -- Spe"cious*ness, n.

Webster 1913