Argument — Defs

01 n. Proof; evidence.

1.
Proof; evidence.[Obs.]
“There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.” — Ray.

“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.
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.
3.
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
“The argument is about things, but names.” — Locke.
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.
“You and love are still my argument.” — Shak.

“The abstract or argument of the piece.” — Jeffrey.

“[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.” — Milton.
5.
Matter for question; business in hand.[Obs.]
“Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.” — Shak.
6.
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.(Astron.)
7.
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.(Math.)

02 v. i. To make an argument; to argue.