Top"ic , a. Topical. Drayton. Holland.
Top"ic (?), n. [F. topiques, pl., L.
topica the title of a work of Aristotle, Gr. topika`, fr. topiko`s of or for place, concerning to`poi, or commonplaces, fr.
to`pos a place.]
(a)
One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, -- denominated by
Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to
which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply
of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory. (b)
pl. A treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms or commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the Topics of
Aristotle.
These
topics, or loci, were no other than
general ideas applicable to a great many
different subjects, which
the orator was directed to consult.
Blair.
In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all
topics.
Jer. Taylor. 2.
An argument or reason. [Obs.]
Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon.
Bp. Wilkins.
3. The subject of any distinct portion of a
discourse, or argument, or literary composition;
also, the general or main subject of the whole;
a matter treated of; a subject,
as of conversation or of thought; a
matter; a point; a head.
4. (Med.)
An external local application or remedy, as
a plaster, a
blister, etc. [Obsoles.] Wiseman.
Hear it pronounced