Empiric — Defs

01 n. One who follows an empirical method; one who relies upon practical experience.

1.
One who follows an empirical method; one who relies upon practical experience.
2.
One who confines himself to applying the results of mere experience or his own observation; especially, in medicine, one who deviates from the rules of science and regular practice; an ignorant and unlicensed pretender; a quack; a charlatan.
“Among the Greek physicians, those who founded their practice on experience called themselves empirics.” — Krauth-Fleming.

“Swallow down opinions as silly people do empirics' pills.” — Locke.

02 a. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.

1.
Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.
“In philosophical language, the term empirical means simply what belongs to or is the product of experience or observation.” — Sir W. Hamilton.

“The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship.” — H. Spencer.
2.
Depending upon experience or observation alone, without due regard to science and theory; -- said especially of medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and deep insight; as, empiric skill, remedies.

Phrases & compounds

Empirical formula — See under Formula.

Syn. See Transcendental.